Almost everyone having diabetes is vulnerable to the risk of vision loss known as Diabetic Retinopathy, which is also one of the most common long term complications of diabetes.
Here are some interesting facts about Diabetic Retinopathy.
#Fact 1
Diabetic Retinopathy is so prevalent that around 93 million adults are affected by it on a global scale. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics stand a high risk for the onset of Diabetic Retinopathy.
#Fact 2
As diabetes triggers Diabetic Retinopathy, the underlying cause is high blood sugar levels and high blood pressure. Other risk factors include abnormal serum lipid levels and consumption of tobacco and alcohol.
#Fact 3
A significant percentage of diabetics have uncontrolled cholesterol and hypertension which increase the prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy. Almost all patients suffering from advanced diabetic kidney disease have Diabetic Retinopathy or suffer from it later on.
#Fact 4
According to a recently conducted survey, almost 63% of Indians are not even aware that diabetes has a hazardous effect on the eye apart from other body parts. 92% of diabetics underwent retinal analysis after having their vision affected. Read more info at http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/63-indians-not-aware-that-diabetes-can-spoil-retina-too-survey/articleshow/56096193.cms.
#Fact 5
In India, 52.2% male smokers have been diagnosed of developing Diabetic Retinopathy.
#Fact 6
In a study of 7,000 diabetics in 41 countries, 80% of Diabetic Retinopathy sufferers face difficulties while doing everyday chores like, driving, going to work, reading, etc. The study even holds that Diabetic Retinopathy patients face several “barriers” that prevent them from accessing diagnosis, timely screening and treatment. Read for further info: https://www.statnews.com/2017/02/14/living-longer-living-better-aging/
#Fact 7
Diabetic Retinopathy is not the only vision complication of diabetes as there are other conditions as well including glaucoma, cataract and diabetic macular edema. Irrespective of the type, all of these medical conditions cause severe vision loss and eventually lead to blindness.
#Fact 8
According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan, Telemedicine stands a high chance of serving as a medical tool for screening patients of Diabetic Retinopathy.
#Fact 9
As the early symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy are very subtle, the cases involving patients having early-on diagnostics are very rare (and rare would be an understatement here).
#Fact 10
Although there’s no absolute cure to Diabetic Retinopathy, diagnosis and treatment during the initial stages help maintain vision.
#Fact 11
There is no such rule of thumb that an optometrist (O.D) or ophthalmologist (M.D) has to examine the diabetics, as all eye specialists and physicians can identify Diabetic Retinopathy.
#Fact 12
A patient can opt for either one or several combinations of treatments for curing Diabetic Retinopathy. For example, a patient might need some extra medication after having gone through surgery.
#Fact 13
Diabetic Retinopathy is not the only eye complication triggered by diabetes as patients are likely to develop double vision caused by the paralysis of the eye muscles. Fortunately, this effect is temporary in usual cases.
#Fact 14
Although maintaining a tight blood glucose control reduces the risk of development of Diabetic Retinopathy, it cannot be prevented entirely. Doctors claim that maintaining glucose control delays the jeopardy of vision loss. Read more at http://www.healthcommunities.com/diabetes-complications/diabetic-retinopathy-facts.sht.
#Fact 15
The countries that contribute to almost 75% of global epidemic of diabetes are the ones having low and middle income. Western Pacific and South East Asia are accounted for more than half the number of adults who get affected by diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy eventually.
#Fact 16
Countries including India, Bangladesh, China and Indonesia represent 45% of the global epidemic of diabetes. Eastern Mediterranean holds the highest number of prevalence of diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy which accounts for 14% of the population. Read more at http://www.iapb.org/vision-2020/what-is-avoidable-blindness/diabetic-retinopathy.
#Fact 17
In Africa, almost two-thirds of the people having diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy remain undiagnosed. Studies show that Africa will be affected the most by diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy by 2040. Get more info at http://www.iapb.org/vision-2020/what-is-avoidable-blindness/diabetic-retinopathy#_edn3.
#Fact 18
In total, 1 in 3 people who are currently living with diabetes are reported to have some degree of Diabetic Retinopathy. Likewise, 1 in 10 people stand a high chance of developing vision-threatening form of Diabetic Retinopathy.
#Fact 19
The International Council of Ophthalmology provides educational and supportive role for ophthalmologists to get a better understanding of diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy. Currently, the firm has issued new “Guidelines for Diabetic Eye Care.” Get further information at http://www.iapb.org/news/ico-launches-2017-guidelines-diabetic-eye-care.
#Fact 20
The Centre of Eye Research Australia, Global Health and the University of Melbourne School of Population have collaborated to develop the Online Self Directed Diabetic Retinopathy. Now the course is available in different languages including Spanish, Mandarin, Urdu, Portuguese and French. Check out http://drgrading.iehu.unimelb.edu.au/cera/index.asp.
#Fact 21
As of 2011 report, there were 11,000 Ophthalmologists in India and the number of diabetics undergoing screening per day was 18. China has the maximum number of Ophthalmologists at 28,340 and only 11 diabetic patients were screened per day. http://www.iapb.org/sites/iapb.org/file/ICO%20Diabetic%20Eye%20Care%20Workforce%20Challenges_Prof.%20Hugh%20Taylor_0.pdf.
#Fact 22
The Commonwealth Eye Health Consortium is focused on addressing the epidemic of diabetes across the Commonwealth nations. CEHC consists of 11 leading research facilities which support a network of training campaigns in the UK and Africa for building a strong and a well-informed Diabetic Retinopathy team. Read more at http://cehc.lshtm.ac.uk/dr-links/.
#Fact 23
Major programs have been organised to provide support, treatment and relief from Diabetic Retinopathy. In a program supported by Bayer, IDF (International Diabetes Federation), IAPB (International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness) and IFA (International Federation on Ageing) have collaborated in an attempt to subside the devastating consequences of DR. Read more at http://drbarometer.com/.