Guo Xiaohua and Gao Fulin, Department of Ophthalmology, Characteristic Medical Center (formerly 306 Hospital).
Edited by Liu Yan/Cui Yan, Medical Science Popularization Center
When it comes to diabetes, people generally focus on blood sugar control, and few people know that diabetes can also hurt their eyes. Visits may only be chosen when vision is significantly reduced, when the best time for treatment is often missed. Therefore, the concept of "diabetes can cause blindness" is very important for the majority of diabetic patients, and diabetic retinopathy is the "killer" of vision.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus, a chronic progressive vision impairment eye disease characterized by retinal microvascular damage throughout the course of diabetes.
What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy has few early signs and is difficult to detect, but symptoms develop slowly over time.
(1) Blurred vision, like a feeling of mild haze.
(2) There is a lack of visual field, and the scope of things seen is reduced.
(3) There is a sense of sparkle in vision.
(4) There are blackened objects floating in front of your eyes, such as balls, tadpoles, or spider webs.
(5) Vision loss, especially the most obvious decrease in night vision, or the degree of myopia is aggravated.
(6) Sudden blindness, eye pain and headache.
How can diabetic retinopathy be prevented?
(1) Strictly control blood sugar. Long-term strict control of blood sugar is the fundamental measure for the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, and it is the key to early prevention. Of course, high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia are also important risk factors, so it is extremely important to control blood pressure and blood lipids.
(2) Have regular fundus examinations. Type 1 diabetes mellitus: 1 time per year after the start of screening and confirmed diagnosis; Type 2 diabetes: 1 check-up per year; Mild NPDR: 1 time every 6~12 months; Moderate NPDR: 1 time every 3~6 months; Severe NPDR: check every 3 months; PDR patients: 1 time per month; Diabetes mellitus and pregnancy: eye examination before or at the first prenatal checkup, every 3 months after pregnancy and within 1 year after delivery.
Tips: Diabetic retinopathy is a disease that can be detected early, treated early, and avoids blindness.
(The picture comes from the Internet)