Diabetic eye diseases is the name of a group of eye conditions that occur with the effects of diabetes in the eye, including diabetic retinopathy. These can be counted as retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), cataracts and glaucoma.
According to the data of the Ministry of Health, one third of 415 million diabetics in the world in 2015 (more than 93 million people) d. retinopathy has developed.
All diabetic eye diseases have the potential to cause severe vision loss and blindness. People with diabetes have an increased risk of cataracts and glaucoma (eye pressure disease).
This condition is the most common cause of vision loss and blindness in people with diabetes.
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is fluid in the center of the retina, called the macula, which allows us to see where we look. It occurs due to diabetic retinopathy. It is the most common cause of vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy.
There is a direct relationship between diabetes and eye health. Therefore, in addition to regular eye-retina control, good control of diabetes, being physically active and eating healthy can prevent vision loss and blindness. A detailed eye examination should be performed together with retinal tomography (OCT). Because, early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent permanent vision loss.
Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms
As we said, diabetic retinopathy symptoms are not noticed at first. Over time;
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Decreased vision
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Blurred vision
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Blind spots or dark areas
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Straight lines appearing to be wavy
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Symptoms occur, such as colors losing their vibrancy.
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in the working population.
How Does Diabetic Retinopathy Occur?
The retina stores the image of everything we see around us. It converts i into electrical signals in an order and sends them to the visual center in the brain with the optic nerve. The signals processed and interpreted here allow us to see everything around us as healthy and smooth.
D. Retinopathy may disrupt the capillary blood vessels that feed the retina, initially with bleeding and leakage of fluid into the retina, and in the later stage, it may lead to decreased vision and blindness as a result of occlusion of the blood vessels in the retina.
What is Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)?
It is the accumulation of fluid in the center of the retina, which we call the macula (yellow spot). The macula is our central visual region that enables us to read, recognize faces and drive.
DME is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetic retinopathy.
Risk Groups in Diabetic Retinopathy
The effect of diabetes on the eyes is very clear with research. Anyone with diabetes (diabetes) can have diabetic retinopathy.
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People with long-term diabetes,
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High fasting blood sugar level or irregular,
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Those with diabetes as well as hypertension or high cholesterol are at greater risk.
In these individuals, serious complications due to diabetic retinopathy The risk of decreased vision and blindness has also increased.
This discomfort may progress rapidly and worsen during pregnancy.
What are the Visual Complaints of Diabetic Retinopathy?
There are usually no complaints at the beginning . With the progression of the disease, blurred vision occurs due to macular edema.
In more advanced stages, moving spots or veiling in the eye, then severe vision loss and blindness may occur due to bleeding from impaired retinal vessels.
How is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?
The diagnosis can be made by performing a detailed eye examination with OCT (retinal tomography) under the control of a specialist experienced in retinal diseases.
Detailed eye examination;
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In addition to routine measurements such as the degree of vision and eye pressure,
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Retinal examination with magnification of the pupil,
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OCT (retinal tomography)
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Includes evaluation with advanced diagnostic tools such as retinal angiography if necessary r.
What are the Protective Measures in Diabetic Retinopathy?
Women with diabetes during pregnancy should have a detailed eye examination as soon as possible.
In addition, keeping hypertension and high cholesterol levels under control may reduce the risk of vision loss in people with diabetes. .
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetic Retinopathy
Does Diabetes Have Double Vision? h3>
Yes, it occurs when sugar affects certain parts of the brain.
Is Cortisone Injection in the Eye in Diabetes?
Yes, it can be done.
How Many Months Does It Take?
In diabetic retinopathy, it may take 1 year or more, depending on the condition of the disease and the decision of the retina specialist.
What Causes Blurred Vision in Diabetes?
May be due to 2 reasons. Diabetes-induced cataract has emerged or progressed, or worse, diabetes-induced retinal vascular disorder has occurred. It should be treated urgently.
What is Hypertensive Retinopathy?
Retinal vessel damage caused by high blood pressure for a long time and decreased vision in the retina.
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