Diabetic Retinopathy may slowly lead to impaired vision and blindness in both eyes if not treated.
In the earlier stages of Diabetic Retinopathy, microaneurysms may develop (small balloon-like expansion/swelling of blood vessels). With the progression of the condition, blood vessels that usually provide nourishment to the retina are being blocked, depriving the retina from blood supply. Later on, abnormal blood vessels start to grow to compensate for the blockage of the previous blood vessels. These vessels are abnormal due to their thin walls which lead to fragility and the risk of ripping and leaking.
If the abnormal blood vessels that grow in the retina start to bleed, they will cause blurring of the vision. Furthermore, leaking of fluids and blood can reach the macula (the central part of the retina responsible for acuity of vision), again, making it swell and cause blurred vision. At this stage, blood spots that reach the macula may be visible. These blood spots may disappear with time, but they may also reoccur because of additional bleeding. When left untreated, vision loss is inevitable.
At the later stages of the condition, vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy may be reduced with the help of a special laser surgery procedure known as “Scatter Laser Treatment”. This procedure helps shrinking the newly developed blood vessels. Side effects of this surgery include: some loss of night vision, side vision and colour vision. Once a person is at this stage, and although the surgery may help alleviate some of the vision, they will always be at risk of further bleeding and constant treatment may be necessary.
Control of Diabetic Retinopathy
The progression of Diabetic Retinopathy may be delayed with better control of blood sugar levels. However, this condition may develop with no warning signs, therefore, it is crucial all diabetes patients have their eyes checked for Diabetic Retinopathy through a comprehensive eye exam, as requested by their ophthalmologist.
People who have lost some of their vision as a result of diabetic retinopathy may be considered low vision patients, however, they may still be able to improve their vision.
How SB Optical can help in the process of visual rehabilitation?
SB Optical specializes in low vision rehabilitation and provides solutions for each patient depending on their needs. We have special devices including: illuminated magnifiers, stand magnifiers, hand magnifiers, CCTV (a digital magnifier), and unique magnifiers used for writing, all of which could help patients perform tasks done in short distances, thus, improving their quality of life. For far/distance vision, SB Optical carries special binoculars and telescopes. For example, a telescope that brings the TV image to half the distance and double its size.
With an increase in the number of low vision cases in the aging population, we would like to increase awareness that solutions are available for many cases!
If you know anyone who has severe vision problems such as Diabetic Retinopathy or other eye conditions such as Age Related Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, Nystagmus and Albinism causing low vision, WE CAN HELP!
References:
Canadian Diabetes Association. (n.d.). The prevalence and costs of diabetes. Canadian Diabetes Association. Retrieved January 13, 2013, From http://www.diabetes.ca/documents/about-diabetes/PrevalanceandCost_09.pdf
National Institute of Health. (n.d.). Diabetic Retinopathy.National Institute of Health. Retrieved January 13, 2013, From http://nihseniorhealth.gov/diabeticretinopathy/whatisdiabeticretinopathy/01.html\
Ola, M.S., Nawaz, M.I., El-Asrar, A.A., Abouammoh, M., &| Alhomida, A.S. (2012). Reduced levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the serum of diabetic retinopathy patients and in the retina of diabetic rats. Cellular and Molecular Neurobilogy, December 2012.
