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Diabetic Retinopathy
By Dr.Liu Nan nan (The 21st China Medical Team)
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
(Kaieteur News) – Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes and the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in working-age adults worldwide.
The retina acts like the film in a camera. Long-term high blood sugar damages tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing leakage, ischemia, bleeding, and gradual vision damage. In severe cases, it can lead to permanent, irreversible blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy
It often has no symptoms early on, so it is called the “silent vision killer”for people with diabetes.
- Who Is at High Risk?
– Poorly controlled blood sugar
– Longer duration of diabetes
– Hypertension, high cholesterol, or kidney disease
– Smoking, excessive alcohol, poor sleep, obesity
– Women with gestational diabetes
– Those who never have eye exams
- Symptoms
Early stage: NO obvious symptoms. Vision can seem normal even when damage exists.
As it progresses, you may notice:
– Blurred or decreased vision
– Floating dark spots in front of eyes
– Distorted, wavy vision
– Missing areas in your visual field
– Sudden severe vision loss (from bleeding)
Once symptoms appear, the disease is often moderate to advanced, making treatment much harder and recovery limited.
Early screening is critical.
- Screening Schedule
All people with diabetes must have regular eye exams, even with no symptoms.
– Type 2 diabetes: first exam at diagnosis
– Type 1 diabetes: first exam within 3–5 years after diagnosis
– Stable blood sugar: once per year
– Unstable sugar or existing retinopathy: every 6 or 3 months
- Prevention & Management
① Control Blood Sugar (Most Important)
– HbA1c below 7%
– Fasting blood glucose 80–125 mg/dL
– 2-hour post-meal glucose below 180 mg/dL
② Control Blood Pressure & Lipids
– Blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg
-Healthy cholesterol levels to reduce vascular damage
③ Healthy Lifestyle
– Stop smoking, limit alcohol
– Regular exercise, weight control
– Adequate sleep, avoid eye strain
④ Treatment Principles
-Early: control systemic disease + regular follow-up
-Moderate: retinal laser treatmentor other treatments to prevent worsening
-Advanced: may need intraocular injections or surgery to save vision
Diabetic retinopathy cannot be reversed, but early intervention almost always prevents blindness.
Every person with diabetes should make eye examinations a lifelong routine.
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