Diabetics More Likely to Suffer from Vision Loss

Visual impairment is more common in people with diabetes than those without the disease, according to a new study.

"Diabetic retinopathy [damage to the retina caused by diabetes], one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes, is considered to be one of the major causes of blindness and low vision," the researchers said.

Diabetic Retinopathy - Risk Factors - Symptoms - Treatment - Diagnosis - FAQs
The term ‘diabetic retinopathy’ refers to changes in the retina which often occur in people with diabetes.

It has been brought to light that even though diabetic patients may try to keep a safe distance from diabetic retinopathy by controlling glucose and blood pressure, they may fall prey to other optical impediments suffered by diabetic patients, such as cataract and glaucoma, may increase the risk of visual impairment.

Xinzhi Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys only to find that diabetics are more prone to decreased vision caused by an abnormal shape of the cornea.

"People with diabetes were more likely to have uncorrectable vision impairment than those without diabetes, even after controlling for selected other factors," the authors write.

Insulin Delivery Devices
Insulin delivery devices have evolved drastically since their invention in 1922. They are all aimed to provide insulin to the patients with minimal discomfort.

"Our findings also suggest a strong association between visual impairment (correctable and uncorrectable) and older age, member of racial/ethnic minorities, lower income and lack of health insurance, all independent of diabetes status," they added.

The author insisted that there is an immediate need for proper health strategies to get rid of visual impairment among diabetics.

What is diabetes?
The condition of excess glucose level in bloodstream can be regulated by a regular practice of yoga. Yoga helps to control blood sugar levels and promotes health in a person

"The high prevalence of visual impairment among people with diabetes indicates a need for diverse public health strategies to reduce the burden of both correctable and uncorrectable visual impairment," the author stated.

"It is important to identify and pursue ways to increase access to eye care for everyone and to correct visual impairment, where possible, to diminish morbidity and mortality due to impaired vision," the author added.

LASIK Surgery
Get a LASIK done for laser- sharp eyes. If traveling abroad for treatment Consult Us First for affordable options.

The study has been published in the October issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Source-ANI
SRM/SK