Many diabetics in Singapore at risk of going blind: Study
In this straits time article, it states that ” Diabetics Retinopathy is the top causes of blindness in Singapore. Nine in 10 of those who did not know they had DR were aware they were diabetic, with most receiving treatment for diabetes.”
You can find the article from here.
You may ask what is Diabetics Retinopathy and what to take note of?
These are some Pointers from National Eye Institute:
- Diabetic eye disease comprises a group of eye conditions that affect people with diabetes. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), cataract, and glaucoma.
- All forms of diabetic eye disease have the potential to cause severe vision loss and blindness.
- Diabetic retinopathy involves changes to retinal blood vessels that can cause them to bleed or leak fluid, distorting vision.
- Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes and a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults.
- DME is a consequence of diabetic retinopathy that causes swelling in the area of the retina called the macula.
- Controlling diabetes—by taking medications as prescribed, staying physically active, and maintaining a healthy diet—can prevent or delay vision loss.
- Because diabetic retinopathy often goes unnoticed until vision loss occurs, people with diabetes should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.
- Early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up care of diabetic eye disease can protect against vision loss.
- Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with several therapies, used alone or in combination.
- NEI supports research to develop new therapies for diabetic retinopathy, and to compare the effectiveness of existing therapies for different patient groups.
Taken from https://nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy (National Eye Institute, NEI)
Why is Diabetics Retinopathy scary?
At first, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems. Diabetics Retinopathy often progresses unnoticed until it affects vision and eventually cause blindness.
I will recommend for those who are Diabetic, take note of any eye vision deterioration and do go for regular eye check up so that it can be detected and treated early.
In addition, you should also take eye supplements to replenish the nutrients in your eyes. Supplements good for your eyes include ingredients call Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Bilberry and Pycnogenol.
