Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy and Risk Factors

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy are: Blurring or haziness of vision Spots or lines in field of vision – Floaters Diminished vision, which may vary from mild decrease in reading vision (macular edema) to total loss of vision due to bleeding (vitreous haemorrhage).

Can it be prevented A holistic approach – controlling blood sugar, hypertension, dyslipemia  and kidney status with a good exercise routine -  is the best preventive measure. What kind of screening tests should I undergo? Here are some guidelines, according to American Diabetic Association Adults and children aged >10 years with Type 1 diabetes should have an initial dilated and comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist within 5 years of the onset of…

Are you at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy  Yes, if you have: Persistent hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)  Diabetes of more than 5-years duration Albuminuria (too much protein in the urine>30mg in 24hours) Hypertension Dyslipemia

Diabetic retinopathy is an increasing cause of blindness in persons with diabetes. Senior Ophthalmologist Dr Charu Gupta answers your questions, clears misconceptions and separates the facts from the myths. What is diabetic retinopathy? Diabetes can cause changes to the blood vessels of the retina, leading to blindness. This is called diabetic retinopathy. I have good eyesight. I don’t have to worry about diabetic retinopathy. Unfortunately that is not true. Many patients with severe…

What is it Diabetic retinopathy refers to all disorders of the retina caused by diabetes. There is a high incidence of blindness with diabetes. According to Diabetes Care Journal, American Diabetes Association, there are approximately 93 million people with diabetic retinopathy, 17 million with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 21 million with diabetic macular edema, and 28 million with vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR) worldwide. Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes.…