Diabetic Retinopathy is termed a disease that affects the eyes. It usually occurs in a patient who is suffering from diabetes. It happens due to elevated blood sugar levels which damage the blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels may block the path of the blood to the eyes. 

The complications that arise due to the Diabetic Retinopathy may vary, at first it may cause no or mild visionary problems which may lead to blindness if not treated earlier. Check out also, Cleveland psychiatrists for more information.

In this article, we will discuss some of the types, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Types of Diabetic Retinopathy: 

There are two known types of Diabetic Retinopathy which are described below: 

1. An initial Diabetic Retinopathy: 

It is also called non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. It usually happens when the blood vessels that supply blood to the retina weaken. In more severe forms leaking fluid and blood in the retina. The shape of the retina changes and becomes irregular. In some cases when the blood vessels of the retina are damaged then it leads to fluid in the center portion of the retina. 

2. Severe Diabetic Retinopathy: 

It is the severe form of Diabetic Retinopathy,  also called proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In this severe form, the damaged blood vessels are blocked or maybe closed off, to supply the blood in the retina region new abnormal blood vessels formed. These newly formed vessels are delicate in nature and there are chances that they may leak into a jelly-like substance and fill the mid-region of the eye.

The new blood vessels may interfere with the normal flow of the fluid which eventually puts pressure on the eyeball and disrupts the functioning of the eye.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy: 

There are chances that you may not develop the symptoms which are associated with the best OCD treatment Diabetic Retinopathy initially. But as the condition progresses, there are chances that you may develop the symptoms of this disease. 

• A blurred vision
• Fluctuation in vision 
• Dark areas in the vision 
• Colour blindness
• Trouble seeing objects that are far 
• A  gradual loss of vision
• A floating vision 
• Reddish eyes
• Eye Pain 
• Vision Loss

Risk Factor of Diabetic Retinopathy: 

Any individual having diabetes 1 or diabetes 2 is more likely at the risk of developing Diabetic Retinopathy. 

The risk increases when the patient is suffering from: 

• Diabetes for a very long time
• High blood pressure or hypertension 
• The uncontrolled blood sugar level in the body 
• High Cholesterol levels in the body
• Smoking 
• Pregnancy also exposed some patients to Diabetic Retinopathy

So above are some of the risk factors associated with Diabetic Retinopathy.

 Prevention: 

Prevention is always better than cure. In the case of Diabetic Retinopathy, the same rules applied. It’s tough to prevent diabetic retinopathy but regular eye exams, controlling blood sugar levels and high blood pressure are helpful in controlling Diabetic Retinopathy. Some of the Cleveland clinic adhd few prevention tips are described below; 

1. Taking control of blood sugar levels: 

Taking control of your blood sugar level is very essential. For this purpose try to check your blood sugar level more often in a day. Especially when you are not feeling well or facing some stress or anxiety issues. Always consult with your doctor if you have high blood sugar level problems. 

2. Keep your blood pressure in control: 

High blood pressure proves to be very fatal, It can worsen diabetic retinopathy. So it’s very important to keep a check on your blood pressure regularly. As there are various ways in which you can control your blood pressure. Regular exercise, eating low cholesterol food, losing excess weight, avoiding smoking and alcohol are very helpful in controlling high blood pressure. 

3. Manage Diabetes: 

Checking and managing your diabetes on a regular basis may help to overcome diabetic retinopathy. You can control your diabetes by just maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Like regular exercise, eating healthy food, and taking essential medication prescribed by the Doctor.

4. Have an eye checkup: 

It’s good to book an appointment with an eye specialist if you are facing problems like blurry vision, eye pain, floating vision, or fluctuation in vision. An early diagnosis is very helpful in controlling the severity of this disease. 

Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy:

In the previous section, we have seen some of the preventive approaches to tackle diabetic retinopathy. The treatment process may vary from person to person, it mainly depends upon the complexity or severity of the symptoms. For the non-proliferative stage the treatment process consists of: 

Laser Surgery: 

Laser surgery is used to treat the abnormal blood vessels as well as the swelling of the retina, which was caused by those abnormal blood vessels. The surgical approach is proving to be very effective in many cases of diabetic retinopathy. 

Vitrectomy: 

Vitrectomy is a type of eye surgery particularly used to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy. This surgery handles the retina and that jelly-like substance that is placed in the middle of the retina. The surgery aims to remove scars, blood, or fluid. It also helps in retinal detachment.

Medications: 

Besides the surgical approach, there are some medications that are very effective like an injection of steroids that is helpful in preventing the formation of new blood vessels and inflammation. There are other medications too that act to reduce swelling and improve vision.

Conclusion: 

Dr Ahmed psychiatrist is one of the best MDs in the area. Diabetic retinopathy usually affects the eyes and people who are diabetic are at a greater risk of developing this disease. There are two major types of this disease named proliferative and Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The symptoms may vary from person to person but the most obvious symptoms are blurry vision, floating vision, eye pain, vision loss, and eventually vision loss. People who are diabetic, suffering from high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels are at a greater risk of having diabetic retinopathy. Taking control of blood pressure, blood sugar level, taking regular exercise, eating a healthy diet using medication to treat diabetes are some of the preventive measures. On the other hand, there are treatments based on surgery and medications which are very effective in treating the patient with Diabetic Retinopathy.