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Hidden vision threats among diabetics: Why are regular eye exams so important?
Diabetic retinopathy is a medical condition caused by diabetes in which the retina is damaged and is one of the leading causes of blindness. According to research, about 80% of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes develop varying degrees of retinal damage within 20 years after diagnosis. Because it is often not noticeable in its early stages, many people with diabetes are unaware of this hidden threat to their vision.
Appropriate treatment and monitoring can significantly reduce the progression to more severe retinopathy in 90% of newly diagnosed patients.
The progression of retinopathy is closely related to the duration of diabetes, and the eyes of diabetic patients should be checked regularly every year. According to the recommendations of the American Diabetes Association and the International Council of Ophthalmology, an eye exam should be performed immediately after a diagnosis of diabetes and then at regular intervals throughout the subsequent year.
The main cause of retinopathy is the sustained damage to microvessels caused by high blood sugar. This pathological process involves multiple factors, including retinal hypoxia, increased vascular permeability, and loss of microvascular cells. These changes cause retinal blood flow to be affected, which may eventually lead to the progression of the disease and seriously affect vision.
Sustained high blood sugar drives the formation of new blood vessels, which are prone to rupture and bleed, further damaging the retina.
Regular eye examinations not only help detect retinopathy early, but also enable timely treatment. Common treatments include anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, and vitrectomy. These methods can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss and improve vision that has already been affected.
In fact, current treatment advances can prevent 90% of severe vision loss. However, this does not mean that treatment can completely cure diabetic retinopathy. Patients still need to continue to manage their condition, including controlling blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, to slow the progression of the disease.
After receiving treatment, some patients experience significant improvement in vision, especially if they have macular edema.
Symptomatically, since most patients with diabetes will not initially perceive vision problems, many patients will not notice them until the lesions have progressed further. However, early detection can prevent a major vision crisis. For pregnant women with diabetes, more frequent examinations are needed to ensure the health of mother and baby.
In addition to regular check-ups, lifestyle adjustments are equally important. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol can delay the progression of the disease and thereby reduce the risk of retinopathy.
Maintaining good living habits and regular eye examinations can effectively reduce the occurrence of vision threats.
More regions and countries have begun to establish diabetic retinal examination programs to improve the early diagnosis rate of patients. Prompt medical intervention and continued prevention awareness will be the key to protecting vision.
Ultimately, patients with diabetes should fully realize the importance of vision protection and receive regular professional examinations. Your eyes are not only a means of identification, but also a window to enjoy life. Have you begun to pay attention to and check your eyes regularly?
