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June 15, 2004 |
| Vision Health
Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy affects the blood vessels of the retina, the portion of the eye that receives visual images. High levels of blood sugar cause these blood vessels to leak fluid into the macula (the light-sensitive part of the retina), which in turn causes the vision to become blurred. If left untreated, this can lead to blindness. In advanced stages of the disease, new blood vessels can grow over the retina, causing scar tissue and, in severe instances, retinal detachment. This disease only affects people with diabetes, but in staggering numbersone out of every two diabetics will develop diabetic retinopathy. In its earliest stage, you may not notice any difference in your vision. Often the first sign are floaters, particles that pass across your field of vision but are not really there. Difficulty doing close work or double vision can be signs that blood is leaking into the macula. This leads to swelling, also known as macular edema, a condition that usually causes blurry vision. Diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed by test called a flourescein angiography, wherein dye is introduced into the body. The blood carries the dye to the retina, and once there the eyes are photographed by an ophthalmologist, who can then determine the seriousness of the condition. In extreme cases, laser surgery is performed to close the leaking blood vessels. It can also be used to remove the stray blood vessels that have grown on the retina. When it comes to diabetic retinopathy, the best plan is a defensive one. Keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control, get regular eye exams, and eat a healthy diet that includes many cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage.
Read More on Vision: Getting Started Age-Related Macular Degeneration Nutritional Therapies Lutein and Zeaxanthin for Age-related Macular Degeneration Antioxidants for AMD and Cataracts Complementary Therapies Red Light Therapy for Macular Degeneration Ozone Therapy for Macular Degeneration
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