by Administrator
30. May 2011 09:42
Various studies conducted have revealed that 40-45% of Americans who are diabetic are, at some point, also affected by diabetic retinopathy. As a point of fact, it has turned out to be one of the primary causes of blindness in this country. But, there is no need to be disappointed as diabetic retinopathy is preventable in most of the cases.
In the initial stages of untreated diabetes, the first symptom that people often confront is blurred vision. High blood sugar level causes swelling in the lens of the eye. If not treated, the high blood sugar levels can even lead to the damaging of blood vessels that provide for the retina. This stage is called diabetic retinopathy.
Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Non- Proliferative Retinopathy - This stage usually involves the swelling of the blood vessels in the retina. Some of them may even become blocked. As the disease progresses, more and more blood vessels are blocked and the body starts to produce security blood vessels with a view to keep the retina nourished.
- Proliferative Retinopathy - In this stage, the body continues to produce more and more security blood vessels. These blood vessels are, however, not stable. They can seep out blood into the center of the eye that results in blocked or blurred vision. Also, the growth of these vessels leads to the formation of scar tissue which, in turn, causes the detachment of retina. Either of these is capable of causing blindness.
Prevention
A complete eye check-up once a year or as required by the physician can prevent retinopathy from developing. Detection in the initial stages and timely laser treatment can lessen the risk of blindness by 90%. But, instead of treating the disease at a later stage, some of the lifestyle modifications can help to prevent Diabetic Retinopathy. Some of the techniques can be:
Meditation
Blood sugar levels are augmented by stress. High blood sugar levels, in turn, lead to diabetic retinopathy. So, it is extremely important to take up to meditation to keep yourself stress free.
Mindfulness
Responsible and careful choices in food will maintain healthy levels of blood sugar. Thus, one should always prefer to have healthy and low carbohydrate foods.
One important thing to remember is that diabetic retinopathy will remain unnoticeable unless the root causes have been left untreated for a long time. So, you should not wait for the symptoms. Treatments cannot restore the lost vision. Go ahead and step forward towards a healthy life.
For any information on eyecare, please contact Killeen Eyecare Center at 254-634-7805.
Eye Doctor Fort Hood - Optometrist Fort Hood