In case of diabetes regularly have eyes examined

After years of diabetes, blindness threatens

10/15/2012

Those who suffer from the metabolic disorder diabetes should have their eyes examined at regular intervals. Patients with diabetes are at much higher risk of contracting the retina. Not infrequently, the eye disease can lead to complete blindness of the patient, why preventive care is important.

Patients with diabetes should have their eyes checked regularly. This is indicated by the German Diabetes Aid on the occasion of the White Hive Day on October 15 today. Because those affected are due to their disease a higher risk of blindness. The trigger for this is diabetic retinopathy, a disease of the eye retina. Due to the increasing damage to the small blood vessels, a damage to the retina, usually unnoticed at the beginning of the disease, is caused. Because the eye disease is creeping and patients initially feel no visual impairment, diabetic retinopathy is often detected late without continuous control. However, if the disease is detected in time, therapies can delay the further course and even stop at best.

After 25 years of diabetes, often retinal damage
According to some studies, about 80 percent of diabetes patients show retinal damage after about 25 years. Each year, approximately 1,700 patients die in consequence. „Regular ophthalmologist checks can prevent blindness“, reminds the German Diabetes-Hilfe.

The Diabetes Aid experts recommend that diabetics undergo an ophthalmologist's retinal examination at least once a year. If the doctor already detects changes in the retina, follow-up examinations every three to six months are advisable. Since the blood vessels in the eye are damaged by high blood sugar and high blood pressure, affected persons should lower their blood sugar levels as a precautionary measure. The optimal blood pressure is 120/80 and should not exceed 140/80 at rest. To lower the blood pressure, a healthy lifestyle with lots of exercise, overweight reduction and majority of vegetables / fruit foods can be helpful. If these measures are not enough, the doctor will also prescribe medication.

If the eyesight has already diminished, it is no longer reversible. The ophthalmologist will usually try to prevent a complete blindness by laser treatment, remedies or eye surgery. The best prevention is optimal diabetes therapy. (Sb)

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