Diabetic Retinopathy- A Silent Threat to Vision

What is Diabetic Retinopathy and Why its Understanding Matters?

Diabetic Retinopathy is an eye disease caused by long-term high blood sugar. It damages tiny blood vessels in the retina- the part of the eye that senses light and sends signals to the brain. If not caught early, it can lead to vision loss or even blindness.

People with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at risk. The longer you have diabetes, the greater the risk. Also, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and being pregnant if you have diabetes can increase the chance or getting diabetic retinopathy.

If you notice any of these symptoms, do not wait- book an appointment with an eye doctor immediately.

Symptoms, Stages , and Treatment

Many people do not notice symptoms in the early stages- this is why it is often called a "silent" eye disease.

Some of the signs you might see as it gets worse are:

• Blurred or distorted vision

• Floaters (spots or "strings" in your vision)

• Dark or empty patches in your field of vision

• Troubles seeing at night or reading fine print

There are two main stages: non-proliferative (early) and proliferative (advanced). In early stages, blood vessels in the retina weaken or leak. In advanced stages, new, abnormal vessels grow and can cause serious damage.

Treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed. Some effective treatments include:

• Laser therapy to seal or shrink leaking or abnormal blood vessels.

• Injections into the eyes (anti-VEGF) to reduce swelling and slow vessel growth.

• Surgery (virectomy) in severe cases.

If you notice any of these symptoms, do not wait- book an appointment with an eye doctor immediately.

How to Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy

Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are strong, research0-backed ways to reduce your risk or slow the disease:

1. Annual eye exams- get dialated retinal exams every year even if your vision seems fine.

2. Good blood sugar control- keeping blood sugar in range helps protect tiny blood vessels in the retina.

3. Manage blood pressure and cholesterol- these both affect eye health.

4. Healthy diet and regular exercise- helps control diabetes and reduces risks.

5. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol- both can worsen blood vessel damage.

The first and most important step is scheduling your yearly eye exam- don't delay, make your appointment today.

The Scale of the Problem : Metrics you should Know

• Globally, diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults.

• More than half of people with diabetes may develop some form of diabetic retinopathy over time.

• In Nigeria, eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are common, especially in areas with low access to routine screenings.

This makes it even more important to check your eyes regularly. Book your screening with a trusted eye clinic near you.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Eyes

• If you have diabetes, ask your eye clinic about medical retina services and fundus photography, which are tools to see early damage.

• Schedule regular checkups even if you have no problems yet.

• If you notice changes in your vision- blurry sight, floaters, difficulty reading- go to an eye specialist immediately.

• Join support community outreach programs that offer screenings and eye care for free or low cost.

Protect your vision- book an appointment today and take the first step toward healthier eyes

By understanding diabetic retinopathy, knowing its early signs, and taking steps to prevent it, we can protect our vision, avoid blindness, and live fuller lives. Your eyes deserve care.