Diabetic Retinopathy is a progressive loss of vision associated with diabetes, which may eventually lead to blindness.
Inroduction
Diabetic Retinopathy is a progressive loss of vision associated with diabetes, which may eventually lead to blindness. All people with diabetes are potentially at risk of developing this condition, depending on how long they have had diabetes, their level of insulin intake and degree of control of the disease. Diabetic Retinopathy is the most common cause of visual problems in people with diabetes.
About
The disease occurs as a result of a weakening of blood vessels in the eyes, causing swelling and leakage of blood. Fluid and fat are able to escape into the eye, creating swelling of the retina and blockage of vision from blood and fat deposits. As the pressure of blood builds up, due to blockage of larger blood vessels in the retina, many smaller vessels are called upon to release this pressure. Unfortunately, they are weak and may bleed without warning, causing sudden vision loss. Scar tissue may develop at the site of bleeding and increase the risk of retinal detachment.
Several risk factors contribute to the progression of Diabetic Retinopathy, in particular high blood pressure, protein in the urine and high cholesterol levels. Damage is usually quite severe before any change in vision is noticed, making it extremely important that the eyes are checked regularly.
Prevention
Most important in the prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy is a strict adherence to a diabetic diet and medically supervised treatment programme. Development of this condition is closely linked to how well blood glucose is controlled; the better the control, the less likely the disease is to progress. It is important that other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are reduced as much as possible.
Signs and symptoms
There are no early symptoms for many people with early stages of Diabetic Retinopathy. Many people do not have any vision impairment until the disease is in advanced stages. If symptoms develop, they may include sudden loss of vision, blurring, flashes of light, pain and changes in central and/or colour vision.
Any person with diabetes who notices a change in their vision should be checked by a Doctor or Ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Health care
As with all conditions, your Doctor should be consulted. This condition and diabetes in general require close monitoring by a medical practitioner.
All people with diabetes should have a retinal examination at least every 2 years. Early diagnosis and intervention can help reduce the effects of Diabetic Retinopathy on vision. Any changes in vision should be reported immediately. Early detection and suitable treatment may help prevent up to 98% of severe vision loss.
Health management should be approached as per prevention through appropriate diet (low in fat and sugar and high in fibre and carbohydrates), exercise and blood glucose management. A number of treatment options exist, depending on the severity of the condition. Most effective is laser treatment of the retina which aids in sealing the leaking vessels. Vitrectomy (a medical procedure) may be used to make an insertion behind the iris and relieve pressure on the retina.
Diet tips
- Following a healthy eating plan and leading an active lifestyle can help improve blood glucose control and regulate bodyweight.
- Foods with a low Glycaemic Index (GI) are recommended because they lead to a small glucose response. These foods include wholegrain bread, oats, certain high fibre breakfast cereals, pasta, barley, legumes, temperate fruits, starchy vegetables such as corn and sweet potato and milk products.
- Avoid excessive sugar intake from foods such as cakes, biscuits, chocolate and confectionery.
- Limit the intake of fat, particularly saturated fat. A diet high in saturated fat interferes with diabetes control, contributes to weight gain and affects blood fat levels, increasing the risk of heart disease and other Diabetes complications.
- Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol can interfere with diabetic control and can cause hypoglycaemia.
- A Dietitian is an important member of the diabetes management team. See your Dietitian regularly to assist with meal planning to ensure that nutritional requirements are being met.
Vits/mins/herbs
- Vitamin A, vitamin E and magnesium may help prevent retinal problems.
- Vitamin C may assist in maintaining the strength of blood capillaries and reduce elevated cholesterol levels, particularly in people with diabetes who smoke or have a history of smoking.
- Chromium is a mineral found in brewer's yeast, which is thought to be integral in the management of normal blood glucose levels.
About
The disease occurs as a result of a weakening of blood vessels in the eyes, causing swelling and leakage of blood. Fluid and fat are able to escape into the eye, creating swelling of the retina and blockage of vision from blood and fat deposits. As the pressure of blood builds up, due to blockage of larger blood vessels in the retina, many smaller vessels are called upon to release this pressure. Unfortunately, they are weak and may bleed without warning, causing sudden vision loss. Scar tissue may develop at the site of bleeding and increase the risk of retinal detachment.
Several risk factors contribute to the progression of Diabetic Retinopathy, in particular high blood pressure, protein in the urine and high cholesterol levels. Damage is usually quite severe before any change in vision is noticed, making it extremely important that the eyes are checked regularly.
Prevention
Most important in the prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy is a strict adherence to a diabetic diet and medically supervised treatment programme. Development of this condition is closely linked to how well blood glucose is controlled; the better the control, the less likely the disease is to progress. It is important that other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are reduced as much as possible.
Signs and symptoms
There are no early symptoms for many people with early stages of Diabetic Retinopathy. Many people do not have any vision impairment until the disease is in advanced stages. If symptoms develop, they may include sudden loss of vision, blurring, flashes of light, pain and changes in central and/or colour vision.
Any person with diabetes who notices a change in their vision should be checked by a Doctor or Ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Health care
As with all conditions, your Doctor should be consulted. This condition and diabetes in general require close monitoring by a medical practitioner.
All people with diabetes should have a retinal examination at least every 2 years. Early diagnosis and intervention can help reduce the effects of Diabetic Retinopathy on vision. Any changes in vision should be reported immediately. Early detection and suitable treatment may help prevent up to 98% of severe vision loss.
Health management should be approached as per prevention through appropriate diet (low in fat and sugar and high in fibre and carbohydrates), exercise and blood glucose management. A number of treatment options exist, depending on the severity of the condition. Most effective is laser treatment of the retina which aids in sealing the leaking vessels. Vitrectomy (a medical procedure) may be used to make an insertion behind the iris and relieve pressure on the retina.
Diet tips
- Following a healthy eating plan and leading an active lifestyle can help improve blood glucose control and regulate bodyweight.
- Foods with a low Glycaemic Index (GI) are recommended because they lead to a small glucose response. These foods include wholegrain bread, oats, certain high fibre breakfast cereals, pasta, barley, legumes, temperate fruits, starchy vegetables such as corn and sweet potato and milk products.
- Avoid excessive sugar intake from foods such as cakes, biscuits, chocolate and confectionery.
- Limit the intake of fat, particularly saturated fat. A diet high in saturated fat interferes with diabetes control, contributes to weight gain and affects blood fat levels, increasing the risk of heart disease and other Diabetes complications.
- Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol can interfere with diabetic control and can cause hypoglycaemia.
- A Dietitian is an important member of the diabetes management team. See your Dietitian regularly to assist with meal planning to ensure that nutritional requirements are being met.
Vits/mins/herbs
- Vitamin A, vitamin E and magnesium may help prevent retinal problems.
- Vitamin C may assist in maintaining the strength of blood capillaries and reduce elevated cholesterol levels, particularly in people with diabetes who smoke or have a history of smoking.
- Chromium is a mineral found in brewer's yeast, which is thought to be integral in the management of normal blood glucose levels.
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