What Is Retinopathy?
The retina is located in the back of the eye where it receives images much like those
projected onto a movie screen. For someone to see those images clearly, the retina must be
healthy and capable of capturing the details of the image being viewed.
Retinopathy causes small leaks in the blood vessels of the retina that can
eventually create blurred vision. As the disease progresses, eyesight becomes poorer as
portions of the retina shut down. |
|
Can Retinopathy be caused by diabetes?
Yes, Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication of diabetes. The specific cause of retinopathy
seems to have a strong link with sustained high blood-glucose levels. |
|
Do the elderly need to have their eyes checked regularly?
Yes, a regular check up of the eyes and the diabetic status is very important for the
elderly. |
|
If there are no symptoms like pain does it mean the eyes are
fine?
Diabetic retinopathy can progress, even to a severe stage, without noticeable symptoms.
Unfortunately many people who know they have diabetes do not understand how their eyes may
be affected. The most common mistake among diabetics is to assume their eyes are fine
because they experience no noticeable problems or pain. |
|
Do people with diabetic retinopathy have to have their heart
condition checked?
Yes, people with retinopathy must also be checked for cardiovascular disease because
studies show an association of diabetic retinopathy with heart disease. |
|
Is there a treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy?
Yes, early detection and treatment of retinopathy can slow or correct the potential
problems in the vast majority of cases. Because symptoms are often missing, the best
detection is a professional eye exam.Yearly eye examinations for all people with diabetes
is essential.
Recent advances in laser surgery have greatly improved the prognosis for those with
retinopathy. Laser surgery is so precise that leaks in blood vessels can be stopped or
diseased tissue on the retina destroyed. The procedure is usually painless and without
complications.
Laser surgery cannot restore vision that has already been lost. For this reason, detecting
and treating diabetic retinopathy early is the best way to prevent vision loss. |
|
Can Diabetic Retinopathy cause blindness?
Yes, undetected and untreated retinopathy can cause blindness, and this is very
sad, because 90% of such blindness is preventable. |
|
| See Also: Diabetes, Eyes |
|
|
|
