Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among people between the ages of 20 and 74. Studies have shown that the incidence of retinopathy increases with increased duration of diabetes.Almost all people with Type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of people with Type 2 diabetes have some degree of diabetic retinopathy after 20 years of having diabetes. There are few symptoms to indicate the development of diabetic retinopathy . Vision loss is usually the first indicator that a patient has retinopathy. Although treatments such as laser photo-coagulation can also slow the progression of retinopathy & reduce vision loss, lost vision is not likely to be resorted. so it is essential to have your eyes check up routinely in order to detect treatable disorder early in its course.
- All people with diabetes should have regular comprehensive eye examinations performed by an Opthalmologist.
- People with Type I diabetes should undergo eye examination within 3 to 5 years of diagnosis.
- People with Type II diabetes should have their eyes examined shortly after they are diagnosed.
- Pregnant women with diabetes should undergo comprehensive eye examination during the first trimester & be monitored closely throughout pregnancy.
- Women with gestational diabetes are not an increased risk for developing diabetic retinopathy.
