subject: The Complication Called Diabetic Retinopathy [print this page] Diabetes is a metabolic condition wherein the body is unable to or lacks the necessary amounts of the hormone insulin to properly use blood glucose for cellular processes. Because of this, there is an excess level of glucose in the bloodstream leading to the many complications associated with this condition.
One of the most serious complications that literally happens before the very eyes of a diabetic is called retinopathy. This occurs when the retina of the eyes become damaged due to the increased viscosity of the blood circulating through the fine blood vessels. Among the many complications resulting from diabetes, this is one can definitely be avoided through regular check-ups of the eyes. Statistics indicate that nearly 80% of all diabetics develop retinopathy within ten years.
Like diabetes, retinopathy does not have any warning signs. The first indication would necessarily be diagnosis of the inability to metabolize blood glucose resulting in increased sugar levels in the bloodstream. Over time, the blood vessels at the back part of the eye are among the smallest in the body. Because of the increased viscosity of the constitution of the blood because of the high glucose levels, the blood vessels break and bleed resulting in ocular hemorrhage. This would have the effect of having blurred vision often manifesting itself as a few specks of blood spots that float around the person's field of vision.
After a few days or weeks, the leaking of the blood vessel increases resulting in increased blurred vision. Over time, the blurred vision becomes so rampant that the person would only be able to tell light from dark on that eye. It may take a long time for the blood to clear from within the eye, in some instances the blood would not clear up. Upon examination, the doctor would find that because of the blood vessel breakage, edema or swelling of the crystalline lens happens because of the high sugar levels.
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the intramural pericyte area dies because of the lack of blood supply together with the thickening of the membrane resulting in the further injury to the vascular walls. When the blood-retinal barrier is damaged, then the blood vessels become more prone to further injury. With the further onset of the condition, glucose particles become accumulated in the retinal blood vessels leading to epicyte death or retinal nerve damage. The first stage in this condition is called nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. This kind of retinopathy does not have any direct vision loss or impairment.
After the first stage, the next step of this disease is called proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Here, because the blood vessels in the eye recuperate and grow and because of the lack of oxygenated blood because of the diabetes, the new blood vessels grow along the retina and the vitreous humor of the eye. Because of the inherent fragility resulting from diabetes, these blood vessels bleed, clouds vision and eventually injure the retina. This growth also can result in retinal detachment and even result in neovascular glaucoma. The advanced stage of this retinopathy though does not happen in an instant but accumulates as a progressive condition over time.
The best way to avoid this condition is avoid developing the condition known as diabetes. However, if you have already been diagnosed with the condition, then regular and timely eye examinations together with proper techniques in managing blood sugar levels can help limit the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
