Diabetes can cause various changes in the eye particularly in the retina. Diabetic eye disease can cause severe vision loss or even blindness. When the retina is affected by diabetes, weakened blood vessels may leak fluid or blood, causing damage to the retina. This is called DIABETIC RETINOPATHY.

Most people consider sight to be the most precious sense thus it is critical to be aware of the risk of diabetic eye disease and to understand how to prevent its onset. For those who already have diabetic eye disease, there are steps to be taken which can prevent further vision loss due to it.

It is important to tell your doctor that you are a diabetic and since how long have you had it It is essential for an individual with diabetes to have a comprehensive eye examination done atleast once a year.

If you already have diabetic retinopathy, your follow up visits will be as per treating doctor advise.

Symptoms

Usually, diabetic retinopathy has no obvious signs until major impairment has occurred and problems have developed. Some indications of retinopathy and complications can consist of:

• One-sided or blurry vision or difficulty in reading
• Floaters in the vision
• Ache in the eyes
• Fractional or complete loss of sight or veil or a shade across the arena of sight

Important points to remember

• Early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy is vital.Have an eye examination every year.
• Most sight-threatening diabetic problems can be managed by laser treatment if it is given early enough.
• Good sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol control reduces the risk of diabetes related sight loss.
• Smoking increases your risk of diabetes related sight loss-quit smoking Eat healthy and exercise.