RETINA CARE CONSULTANTS. P.A. Caring Your Vision - Special Aspects | Page 5

Diabetic retinopathy: what’s
happening around the world?
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Losing vision because of diabetes complications is irreversible for most of the times, which
is why it is always better to try and prevent retinopathy from happening than try to treat it.
Comprehensive dilated eye tests should be taken at least every year. Unfortunately, in
developing or under developing countries resources and healthcare services are either
insufficient, inaccessible or unaffordable for many.
If you think about the fact that early detection and treatment reduces the risk of blindness
by a staggering 95%, it becomes a lot clearer why treatment should be delayed as little as
possible. This would also take some of the burden’s pressure on countries. There are steps,
patients can take on their own to minimize risks like adopting an intensive blood glucose
management program. By making appropriate lifestyle choices regarding nutrition,
exercising and medication, the onset of retinopathy can be prevented by 76%.
If you have already been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, there are several treatment
options available. Injectables have been reporting positive results in restoring or improving
vision for people who can tolerate having them performed in their eyes. Other options
include laser surgery or corticosteroids.