Not all diabetic patients have retinopathy. Early detection will not cause sugar panic.

Diabetes is not just about high blood sugar.

If it is not controlled for a long time or is not controlled well,

Horrible complications will ensue.

Wu Jianhua, director of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Aier Eye Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University, introduced that diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major microvascular complication occurring in the eye. As the disease progresses, some patients will also develop macular edema in the fundus, causing irreparable vision damage.

Not all diabetic patients have retinopathy. Early detection will not cause sugar panic.

Diabetic retinopathy usually damages the retina silently, and most diabetic patients do not have any symptoms in the early stages. However, as the retina is constantly eroded by the high-sugar environment, lesions gradually develop.

But as long as you do the following, you can effectively prevent or delay vision loss.

1. Regular check-up and timely treatment

The two most commonly used screening methods for diabetic retinopathy are fundus photography and fundus examination under slit lamp.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FFA) can further clarify the diagnosis of diabetic macular edema and guide treatment. FFA can be used to examine new blood vessels if necessary.

If diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed during an examination, timely treatment should be sought as directed by the doctor to delay the progression of the disease and prevent vision loss and blindness to the greatest extent possible.

One of the main reasons for blurred vision in diabetic patients is macular edema (diabetic macular edema). The first-line treatment recommended by clinicians is intravitreal injection of "anti-VEGF" drugs (intraocular injection), which can effectively reduce or eliminate edema and improve vision, and its efficacy has been widely recognized.

2. Monitor changes in blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood lipids

Current guidelines require:

● Most diabetic patients should keep their glycosylated hemoglobin below 7.0% (the control target can be appropriately relaxed for those who are older or have cardiovascular disease). Ideal blood sugar control requires not only that glycosylated hemoglobin meet the target, but also that the amplitude of blood sugar fluctuations should be minimized;

● Blood pressure controlled at 130/80 mmHg or below;

● Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is controlled at 1.8mmol/L;

● Triglycerides are controlled below 1.7mmol/L.

3. Medication

Take medications regularly and in fixed amounts as directed by your doctor, and try to keep your blood sugar within the target range.

4. Eat regularly

Under the premise of meeting the body's needs, reduce the intake of carbohydrates, fats, and high-calorie foods, and control the daily sugar intake. Reduce smoking and control drinking.

5. Exercise moderately

Exercise moderately according to your own situation. You can choose aerobic activities such as brisk walking and jogging, avoid competitive sports, extend the exercise time appropriately, and do it step by step to avoid excessive activity that affects blood sugar fluctuations.

Director Wu Jianhua reminds: "Diabetic retinopathy" is preventable and controllable. It is recommended that diabetics have regular fundus examinations and scientific management of their eyes in daily life. Even if the disease occurs, there is no need to panic. Build confidence and adhere to standardized treatment to delay the occurrence of the disease.

If you have diabetes

Please forward this article to them

According to the above reminders and requirements

Go to an eye hospital for regular eye examinations