Diabetic Retinopathy

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Diabetic
Retinopathy

Comprehensive, multi-disciplinary low vision

rehabilitation for people with vision loss

610 N. Main
Wichita, Kansas 67203
(316) 440-1600
Fax: (316) 267-9034

www.envisionrehab.com
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition marked by
high levels of blood glucose resulting
from the body’s inability to produce
or use insulin. Low vision and blindness
are just two of the serious complications.
Others include heart disease, stroke,
hypertension, kidney disease and
nerve disease, which can lead to
amputation.
“I was afraid of the needles and
tests, but my doctors became
my friends. Now I have enough
energy to play again.”
Type 1 diabetes, once known
as juvenile diabetes or insulin-
dependent diabetes, is a chronic
condition in which the pancreas
produces little or no insulin. Insulin
is a hormone needed to convert
sugar (glucose) into energy.
Despite active research, Type 1
diabetes has no cure. But advances
in blood sugar monitoring and
insulin delivery have simplified
the daily routine of managing
Type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is often linked to:
• juveniles
• genetics
• exposure to certain viruses
Type 2 diabetes, also called
adult-onset diabetes, makes up
90 to 95 percent of all cases.
 As it progresses, the body gradually
loses its ability to produce insulin or
doesn’t recognize and process the
insulin correctly. This is known as
insulin resistance. For some diabetics,
Type 2 diabetes can be controlled
by diet and exercise. For others,
medication and/or insulin is required.

In both Type 1 and 2 diabetes,

proper treatment and following your
doctor’s plan of care is essential to
living a long, healthy lifestyle.

Symptoms of Diabetes
• frequent urination
• excessive thirst Type 2 diabetes is often linked to:
• unexplained weight loss • older age
• tingling/numbing in hands, legs & feet • obesity
• cuts/bruises that take a long time to heal
• family history of diabetes
• blurred vision
• fatigue • history of gestational diabetes
• weakness • physical inactivity
• itchy or dry skin • race/ethnicity
What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye

disease resulting from diabetes. It
is the leading cause of new diagnoses
of blindness in Americans ages
20 to 74. Every diabetic is at risk.
Between 40 to 45 percent of all
diabetics will suffer from diabetic
retinopathy to some degree.

Because of excess blood sugar,

diabetic retinopathy damages small
blood vessels lining the
retina, the light-sensitive
tissue at the back of
the eye, impairing
vision. The negative
effects on daily
activities of living such
as reading, driving,
working and many other
tasks often taken for granted
can be overwhelming.
 and exercise and managing your
blood pressure and cholesterol are
essential to managing diabetes.

A thorough eye exam, including

“Diabetes runs in both of our a dilated eye evaluation, should
families so we know we’re at risk. also be a part of your plan of care.
That’s why our annual wellness Even mild visual impairments can
and eye exams are a must.” significantly reduce your daily
activities. Low vision rehabilitation
The damage can affect your central
can improve your visual function
and peripheral vision, including
and restore your independence.
the ability of your eyes to focus
and work together, depth and color
“If you have diabetes,
perception and contrast sensitivity.
you are not alone.
Diabetic retinopathy can also result Nearly 24 million
in other vision conditions such as Americans have
cataracts and glaucoma. diabetes, and the
number is rising.
But there is hope. Like many If you suspect that
debilitating effects of diabetes, the you have this
damage can be limited or prevented disease, see
by following a doctor’s plan of care. your doctor
Learning to control your blood today. We
can help.”
sugar levels through medicine, diet
Who gets diabetic
retinopathy?
Who is at risk for diabetes?
Millions of Americans with diabetes
are at risk of diabetic retinopathy.
Nearly 24 million Americans have
diabetes — a 13.5 percent increase
since 2005. Over 25 percent of
diabetics don’t even know they have
this disease. Prevention is key
because 57 million individuals are
likely to get the disease if they don’t
alter living habits or receive necessary
treatment.
As you age, you are more likely to
have diabetes. African-Americans,
Hispanics, American Indians, Asian-
“My wife made me go to the doctor
after months of low energy and a 20
pound weight drop. I thought I was
too young for diabetes. I was wrong.”
Americans and Pacific Islanders are
at particularly high risk of Type 2
diabetes, the most common variety.
Prevalence of Diabetes in United States
Ages 20 or older
(Number reflects percentage of population impacted)
Non-Hispanic Whites
Non-Hispanic Blacks
Hispanic/Latino
Americans
American Indians/
Alaska Natives
0 5 10 15 20
Source: 1999–2001 National Health Interview Survey and 1999-2000 National Health
and Nutrition Examination Survey estimates projected to year 2002.
What are the symptoms?
Diabetic retinopathy often has no early
warning signs, meaning damage may
be done before diagnosis occurs. The
absence of warning emphasizes the
importance of annual wellness and
dilated eye exams with your doctors.
Having symptoms doesn’t necessarily
mean that you have diabetes, but it
does mean you should make an
 What will treatment be like?

appointment with your healthcare The severity of diabetic retinopathy

professionals. In most cases, the can be minimized significantly with
earlier your diagnosis, the better proper diagnosis and care. To prevent
your prognosis. If left untreated, progression, you should control
proliferative retinopathy can occur. your blood sugar levels, blood
In proliferative retinopathy, the most pressure and cholesterol. Medication
advanced stage, abnormal blood directly to the eye can stabilize
vessels leak into the eye’s center, diabetic retinopathy. Laser treatment
blurring vision. Sufferers may see can reduce the development of
small flecks or spots floating in their severe vision loss by 50 to 60
field of vision, and should see an percent. Both laser therapy and
eye care professional as soon as medications can be effective
possible. Left untreated, about half against two of the most common
of all cases result in blindness.
“Our lives are too full with
family and retirement
plans to allow
diabetes to
control us.
That’s why
we are so
thankful
for our
doctors’
plan of
care.”
Source: National Eye Institute (NEI)
www/seewithlaxik.com/docs/diabetic-
retinopathy.shtml

complications, proliferative
retinopathy and macular edema.
Macular edema occurs when eye
fluid leaks into the macula, the area
into the area controlling sharp,
straight-ahead vision, resulting in
swelling and blurring.
Patients with severe bleeding in the
eye may need a vitrectomy, which
reduces blindness by removing
blood and scars and controlling the
development of abnormal blood
vessels.
A doctor’s comprehensive plan of
care will not only include medication
and recommendations for healthy
living, including diet, exercise and
smoking cessation, but also
consultation and partnership with
other medical professionals who
can help you manage your diabetes.
How can low vision
rehabilitation help me?
Low vision professionals are a
part of your plan of care if you are
losing your vision due to diabetes.
Your doctor’s early referral for low
vision rehabilitation can help
minimize the negative impact of
vision loss on daily life. This
process begins with a low vision
optometric exam to determine the
nature of your vision impairment.
When the assessment is complete,
the doctor will suggest a plan of
care that may include use of
optical devices, adaptive aids
and an individualized low vision
rehabilitation plan to help make
the most of your existing vision.
You are not just a statistic.
Make an appointment with your
doctor today.
*Statistics courtesy of National Eye Institute, 2008