OPHTHALMIC EDUCATION (2) Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy [Archives:2000/20/Health]
What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus or ‘sugar diabetes’ means that the body cannot cope normally with sugar and other carbohydrates in the diet. Diabetes can start in childhood, but it often begins later in life. If you have diabetes this does not mean that your sight will be affected, but there is a higher risk. If your diabetes is well controlled then you are less likely to have problems. However if there are complications which affect the eyes then this can result in loss of sight.
Why regular eye tests are important?
Most sight loss from diabetic retinopathy can be prevented. But it is vital that it is diagnosed early. Therefore regular eye checks are extremely important.
How can diabetes affect the eye?
Diabetes is one of the most common causes of blindness. The retina is made up of a delicate tissue that is sensitive to light. It is rather like the film in a camera. At the centre of the retina is the macula, which is a small area highly specialized for small print and fine detail. Diabetes can affect the eye in a number of ways: –
1.Temporary blurring of vision for a few days or weeks. This is due to swelling of the lens.
2.Cataract can develop in older people. It can be successfully removed by surgery. Usually it is possible to insert an intraocular lens implant.
3.Diabetic retinopathy is the most serious eye condition involving the retina. These usually involve the fine network of blood vessels in the retina hence the term diabetic retinopathy. Most sight loss from diabetes is due to diabetic retinopathy. There are different types of diabetic retinopathy, some of which are very serious to the eye sight.
The importance of early treatment:
Although your vision may be good, changes can be taking place to your retina that need treatment. Because most sight loss in diabetes is preventable, therefore
– Early diagnosis is vital
– Have an eye examination every year
– Do not wait until your vision has deteriorated to have an eye test.
– Remember, however, that if your vision is getting worse, this does not necessarily mean you have diabetic retinopathy. It may simply be a problem that can be corrected by glasses.
What is the treatment?
Most sight-threatening diabetic problems can be prevented by laser treatment if it is given early enough. It is important to realize however that laser treatment aims to save the sight you have not to make it better. For the advanced cases surgery can sometimes help to restore some vision.
How is laser treatment carried out?
All treatment is carried out at the eye clinic and patient will not have to stay in hospital. Eye drops are used to enlarge the pupils so that the eye doctor can look into the eye.
Does laser treatment have any side effects?
It is quite common to lose some vision to the sides (peripheral vision). Night and colour vision may also be reduced. No treatment is possible without some side effects, but the risks of laser treatment are far less than the risks of not having treatment.
REMEMBER:
– If you have diabetes, you need to visit your eye doctor for a check-up every year.
– The earlier the disease is diagnosed the better the results of laser treatment, because it is extremely difficult to treat advanced cases.
– Laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy aims to save the sight you have not to make it better.
Routine eye exam by an eye specialist is very important. It is your sight and your eyes need every care they deserve.
Reference: Royal College of Ophthalmologists educational leaflets, London.
Mahfouth A Bamashmus FRCSEd, FRCOphth
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Ibn-Al-Haitham Clinic
University of Science & Technology, Sana’a
——
[archive-e:20-v:2000-y:2000-d:2000-05-15-p:./2000/iss20/health.htm]
