Posted on February 4, 2010.
Diabetes can make you blind Millions of people with diabetes are at risk of going blind unless they seek medical help. It is because of diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes.
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by poor blood sugar control, which weaken the small blood vessels in the retina (the innermost layer of the eye). Over time, this results in a gradual loss of vision or even blindness. In America alone, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among adults aged 20-74 years.
There are two types: non-proliferative retinopathy or background and proliferative retinopathy. In the first case, small capillaries of the retina and leak failure, distortion or blurred vision. Proliferative retinopathy affects 2-5 percent of all diabetics and is the most severe form of the disease. Here, new blood vessels grow on the retina and can bleed, causing a gradual loss of vision or blindness.
Unfortunately, there is low awareness about the disease. In some Asian countries, this situation is exacerbated by the lack of ophthalmologists who can give patients a full review of the medical terms.
To prevent complications of the disease, it is recommended that steps be taken to control your diabetes. Have an annual eye exam every year after diabetes is diagnosed.
For those who already have the disease, laser photocoagulation can help. It is a painless procedure in which a laser beam is directed through the eye to destroy abnormal blood vessels and prevent them from fleeing.
Your eye doctor may also prescribe medications to strengthen fragile capillaries, improve microcirculation and prevent thrombosis. To strengthen your body, take Immunitril - your first line of defense in maintaining a healthy immune system. For more details http://www.bodestore.com/immunitril.html visit.
