Factors that mandate awareness about Diabetic Retinopathy
- DR (Diabetic Retinopathy) is one of the leading causes of blindness among adults. In an Indian study the prevalence of DR in diabetics was 16.9% and sight threatening (STDR) prevalence was 3.6%
- Duration of Diabetes- It has been proven in multiple studies that 25%, 60% & 80% of patients with Type 1 DM are likely to develop Retinopathy after 5,10 & 15 years of prevalence of DR in Type 2 diabetes at 4,6 & 10 years was 26%, 41% & 66%
- Other Risk factors that contribute to DR:
- Smoking – keep away from smoking
- Hypertension
- Anemia
- Obesity
- Prior glycemic control
- Routine Retina Exam- It helps to identify the problem early and treat as soon as possible. The frequency of examination will depend on the stage of Retinopathy, both proliferative DR patients & non proliferative DR patients can be absolutely asymptomatic which all the more makes the Diabetic eye screening, a very important measure to pick up the DR and treat.
Symptomatic Patients can Present with the following:
Spots or Dark Strings Floating in Front of Eye (Floaters)
This is due to bleeding from abnormal blood vessels seen in the proliferative stage
Blurring of Vision
- Patients can experience transient fluctuations due to fluctuations in blood sugar
- Blurring vision can also be due to Cataract which can develop earlier in diabetes and also tends to progress faster
- Blurring & distortion can be noted in patients who have macular edema (swelling of retina) due to diabetic retinopathy.
Dark/Black Areas in Vision
It can be seen in advanced cases who develop traction of the retina
Vision Loss
- It can be due to traction retinal detachment of the main area of vision.
- Due to Vitreous hemorrhage that is total jelly of the eye is filled with blood hence leads to loss of vision.
- NVG – Neo Vascular Glaucoma wherein the condition is so advanced that abnormal blood vessels block he angles causing high eye pressure, damage to nerve & loss of vision.
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