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Summary

Diabetic retinopathy is a major health concern affecting 1 in 10 people over the age of 5 in South Korea. It is a complication of diabetes that damages blood vessels in the retina, leading to potential blindness. This disease progresses slowly and often shows no early symptoms, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection. Treatment options include antibody injections, laser therapy, and vitrectomy surgery. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to irreversible vision loss, but timely medical intervention can prevent blindness, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups for diabetic patients.

Takeaways

• 😀 Diabetes is a major chronic disease affecting 1 in 10 people aged 5 and above in South Korea.
• 😀 Diabetes damages blood vessels throughout the body, causing various complications, including diabetic retinopathy, which is a leading cause of blindness in the country.
• 😀 Diabetic retinopathy occurs when excessive blood sugar damages the retina, leading to vision problems.
• 😀 30% of people with diabetes for 5 years, 50% of those with 10 years, and 80% of those with 15 years develop diabetic retinopathy.
• 😀 The disease progresses slowly and may not show symptoms in the early stages, making it easy for patients to overlook or mistake it for aging.
• 😀 Regular retinal checkups are crucial for early detection, as symptoms often appear only after the disease has progressed significantly.
• 😀 Common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include macular edema, exudates, retinal hemorrhage, and blurry vision.
• 😀 Treatments for diabetic retinopathy include antibody injections, laser therapy, and vitrectomy surgery.
• 😀 Antibody injections aim to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor, which causes new blood vessel formation in the eye, to prevent further damage.
• 😀 Laser treatment uses laser coagulation to prevent the formation of new blood vessels in the retina.
• 😀 If the condition progresses to advanced stages with retinal detachment or severe hemorrhaging, vitrectomy surgery may be needed to remove cloudy vitreous and stabilize the retina.
• 😀 Timely treatment and regular eye checkups are essential to prevent blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy, as delaying treatment can lead to irreversible vision loss.

Q & A

What is diabetic retinopathy, and how is it related to diabetes?

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that occurs when high blood sugar levels from diabetes damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems and potentially blindness.

How common is diabetic retinopathy among people with diabetes?

Diabetic retinopathy affects about 30% of patients who have had diabetes for 5 years, 50% of those with diabetes for 10 years, and 80% of those with diabetes for 15 years.

Why is diabetic retinopathy known as the leading cause of blindness in the country?

It is the leading cause of blindness because it can progress without symptoms in the early stages, and by the time symptoms appear, the condition may be advanced, making it harder to treat.

What are the early symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy often does not cause noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms like blurred vision, difficulty focusing, and vision loss can occur.

Why do many patients with diabetic retinopathy not notice the symptoms until later?

The disease progresses slowly, and in the early stages, it does not significantly affect vision. Many patients do not experience symptoms until the disease is more advanced.

What is the most important step to take for early detection of diabetic retinopathy?

Regular eye exams are the most important step to detect diabetic retinopathy early, as it may not show symptoms until it's more advanced.

What are the clinical symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

Common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include macular edema, retinal hemorrhage, and the presence of exudates, which can lead to blurred or distorted vision.

What treatment options are available for diabetic retinopathy?

Treatment options include intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs to inhibit abnormal blood vessel growth, laser therapy to coagulate the retina, and vitrectomy surgery for advanced stages.

What is intravitreal injection, and how does it help in treating diabetic retinopathy?

Intravitreal injections involve injecting medication directly into the eye to block growth factors that cause abnormal blood vessels in the retina, which helps prevent further damage.

How does laser treatment work for diabetic retinopathy?

Laser treatment involves applying targeted laser light to the retina to stop the growth of new blood vessels and to prevent further damage, which helps stabilize vision.

Why is early diagnosis and treatment crucial for preventing blindness in diabetic retinopathy?

If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent progression and preserve vision, making regular eye exams essential.