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Role of Eye-Sight in Diabetes

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Written by Julia Hanf

Thursday, 20 March 2008

by JuliaHanf

When a person hears the term diabetes, what generally comes to mind? Usually, most people think of diabetes as relating only to blood sugar levels. What they may not realize is that diabetes also affects many of the body's other organs. The eyes are one of the organs that are commonly affected.

There are certain changes that occur with diabetes mellitus in the retina which is termed as diabetic retinopathy like the blood vessels at the back of the eyes get damaged due to diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy may have its long time effects. In diabetic retinopathy, first you see normally, and then there will be blurred, distorted or patchy vision that cannot be corrected with spectacles. Thirdly, you can have problems with balance, reading, watching television and recognizing people. Fourthly, you could become over-sensitive to limelight. After that, you could face difficulty in seeing in the night.

The prediction of retinal disease is not possible at time when a person is diagnosed with diabetes. However, about two-thirds of people with juvenile-onset diabetes (type 1 diabetes) will develop some significant retinal disease by 35 years after they've been diagnosed. One-third will develop swelling in their central area of vision. This is known as macular oedema.

Patients who have had diabetes for thirty years, rely on insulin shots, or do not take steps to manage their diabetes are most likely to develop some form of retinal disease. For persons between the ages of 25 years to 74 years of age, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness. In the United States each year, more than twelve percent of the new cases of blindness reported are due to diabetes. Other ethnic groups report higher rates. In Mexico, of the twenty percent of patients that were referred to endocrinologist or diabetologists, forty percent of them suffered from sight threatening problems.

Many people around the world are unaware that they suffer from diabetes. Screening programs need to be implemented to assist in diabetes and diabetes related illness detection.

Mobile clinics would be a great asset in the fight against diabetes. Also a system should be set up for patients to be able to obtain the proper follow up care with the proper medical facilities, to make sure that they are getting proper nutrition, exercise and are monitoring their blood glucose levels properly.

The best way to prevent these complications is good control on diabetes. Your vision loss can be easily cured by laser treatment if it's diagnosed earlier or before its impact on your eyes. In case of already damaged vision, treatment can save you from getting it worst. Getting your eye checked by a doctor at regular intervals say about every year if your taking insulin and 2 years if you are not. Don't hesitate in contacting a doctor if at anytime you feel a symptom like blurred visionAfter all its your health which matters the most.

About the Author:

Julia Hanf author of the book How To Play the Diabetes Diet Game and Win Through a real life crisis Julia figured out how to live diabetes free. Visit http://www.yourdiabetescure.com and learn more about your solution for diabetes.