There is an explanation from an expert. Professor Qualification Dr. Sakchai Wongsakittirak Academic Chair Royal College of Ophthalmologists of Thailand
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetes is an abnormal condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal values.
Currently, there are approximately 5-6 million Thai people with diabetes.
Diabetes can cause complications in various organs throughout the body, especially organs that have small blood vessels supplying them, because diabetes causes those small blood vessels to become abnormal. and may become clogged or broken
Organs of diabetic patients with complications are common. And the leading cause of blindness among Thai people is diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy How old is it found in people?
Diabetes is found in younger people. and those after the age of 40, and both groups are at risk of diabetic retinopathy. It may also cause people with diabetes to deteriorate parts of their eyes faster.
Diabetic retinopathy can be divided into 3 stages.
1. The period when there are no symptoms. There may not yet be an abnormality of the retinal blood vessels or there may be an abnormality already occurring. It can only be known by examination by an ophthalmologist. which generally does not require any treatment But it is necessary to be examined. May need to be more frequent (every 3 months or every 6 months)
2. Abnormal blood vessels begin to grow or occur in the retina area. For diabetic retinopathy in stage 2, this is very important because the doctor will recommend receiving retinal laser treatment. To prevent diabetic retinopathy from spreading further into stage 3
3. Abnormal blood vessels may rupture. causing the patient to lose vision The treatment is quite difficult. The treatment results were not good.
What are the factors? that causes diabetic retinopathy
Risk factors that cause diabetic retinopathy include 4 main ones.
1. Duration of diabetes People who have had diabetes for a long time The blood vessels in that area have been bathed in blood that is high in sugar for a long time.
2. In people who cannot control their sugar levels well
3. In people whose sugar levels fluctuate a lot, the sugar fluctuations will cause more damage to the blood vessels in the retina area.
4. In pregnant women, there will be an increase and decrease in the production of many hormones in the body. There may be an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy.
diabetic retinopathy May cause eye complications.
Complications or abnormalities with the eyes are divided into 3 main groups.
1. Acute phase It was found that there were changes in eye level values each day.
2. Diabetic retinopathy can cause loss of vision
3. People with diabetes may be at risk of developing other eye diseases more or faster than they should, such as cataracts and glaucoma.
Can diabetic retinopathy be prevented?
Preventing diabetic retinopathy complications
1. Controlling blood sugar levels to a level around 100 will reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
2. Very important is to periodically check your retina with an ophthalmologist. At least 1-2 times a year
Diabetic patients who are concerned about their eyes Here are some suggestions:
Patients with diabetes You must notice whether there are any abnormalities in your eyes or not.
Although there are no abnormalities in the eyes Diabetic retinopathy can prevent blindness. It is necessary to see an ophthalmologist. Examine your retina at least 1-2 times a year.
Additionally, maintaining good and consistent control of your blood sugar levels can help reduce the chance of complications in various organs throughout the body, including the eye area.
Paying attention and taking care of your body to always be healthy. Can reduce the risk of disease
Source: Thai News Agency