More than one million people die every year due to diabetes mellitus, which is common today and can be seen at any age. Despite the risks of the disease, unfortunately, most patients are not even aware that they have diabetes. One of the most important factors in the fight against diabetes is to change the lifestyle. November 14 is recognized as World Diabetes Day to raise awareness.
ONE IN EVERY 10 DIABETES HAS SERIOUS VISION LOSS
According to 2014 data from the World Health Organization (WHO), 422 million people worldwide live with diabetes. This number is more than four times the data from 40 years ago. At least 1.5 million people die each year from causes directly related to diabetes. Diabetes, which is caused by the inability to process sugar in the blood, or as it is known among the people, leads to bad results such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and even blindness when not controlled.
DIABETES CAUSES MANY FAVORITE DISEASES
Underlining that diabetes causes multiple diseases in the eyes, including cataracts, blurred vision, damage to the deepest retinal layer, which is the nerve tissue of the eye, glaucoma, visual nerve damage, paralysis in the eye muscles and double vision, Prof. Dr. Nur Acar Göçgil emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and diagnosis in the fight against the disease.
RISK OF Blindness IN THE EYES FROM DIABETES
He warned about diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease that can lead to serious permanent loss of vision, especially due to poorly controlled diabetes. Dr. Nur Acar Göçgil said, “The retina of the eye is a sensitive tissue that needs to be fed very well and that works fast like the brain. In uncontrolled and long-term diabetes, the blood circulation of the retina is impaired. Fluid leakage from the veins begins and edema develops at the yellow spot, and occlusions occur in the thin veins. When the nutrition of the retina is disturbed, the body tries to make new vessels, but these are abnormal vessels that will bleed quickly. When they bleed on the retina or into the eye, they quickly cause retinal damage, shrinkage and permanent loss of vision. We call this whole situation where the retina is affected ‘Diabetic Retinopathy’.” made its assessment.
“IF NOT TREATED, INCREASES SERIOUSLY”
Stating that diabetic retinopathy is the most important cause of vision loss in diabetes, Prof. Dr. Göçgil said, “Diabetic retinopathy, which we encounter as a complication of diabetes affecting the eyes, increases gradually when it is not treated. According to the data of WHO (WHO), one out of every 10 diabetic patients living is visually impaired.” said.
“ROUTINE EYE EXAMINATION IS VERY IMPORTANT”
Stating that his disease is a disease that affects both eyes, Prof. Dr. Nur Acar Göçgil said, “Diabetic retinopathy is the most common preventable cause of vision loss and blindness in the European region, according to 2017 WHO data. Early diagnosis of the disease is only possible with a detailed eye examination. When the patient notices a decrease in his vision, he should not waste time. The main complaints in diabetic retinopathy are blurred vision and gradually increasing blurring, fluctuations in vision, spots and lines in the image, floaters, instantaneous vision loss, crooked vision and discolored vision. made the statement.
“A PERSON WITH DIABETES MUST HAVE A DETAILED EYE EXAMINATION AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR”
“What is recommended all over the world is a detailed eye examination and examination of the retina as soon as the diagnosis of diabetes is made.” said Prof. Dr. Göçgil said, “Even when diabetes is diagnosed, there is often a history of the disease and we, as ophthalmologists, sometimes see diabetic retinopathy and specific cataracts in the routine examination and refer our patients to the endocrine doctor for the diagnosis of diabetes. A person with a diagnosis of diabetes should have a detailed eye examination at least once a year. Early diagnosis allows for early treatment and preservation of vision.” he said.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO TREAT DIABETIC RETINOPATHY?
Stating that the treatment of diabetic retinopathy varies depending on the type and severity of the disease, Prof. Dr. Nur Acar Göçgil used the following statements in the continuation of her statement: “Diabetic retinopathic disease appears in different tables depending on the severity. In early diabetic retinopathy, the disease is mild or moderate; If there is no involvement in the yellow spot, the patient’s vision is at a good level. Regular follow-up of the retina is necessary. With regular control and good course of blood sugar, the disease can be regressed or its progression can be slowed down. If necessary, injections of drugs to correct edema or laser treatments are performed into the eye.
“APPROPRIATE TREATMENT SHOULD BE STARTED ASAP”
In advanced and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which is the second type of the disease, appropriate treatment should be started as soon as possible by a retina specialist. Argon laser treatments are permanent for life. It can be administered together with intraocular drug injections. It is indispensable to keep blood sugar and hypertension under control. If there has been bleeding in the eye or retinal retraction, rupture and detachment, which is too intense for laser treatment to be performed, surgical treatment is required without wasting time. With this surgery, which we call vitrectomy and performed by ophthalmologists specializing in retinal surgery, bleeding in the posterior cavity of the eye is cleared; The membranes that pull on the retina are removed and the detached retina is placed in its place. During surgery, laser is applied from the inside with special tools, and drug injection is applied if necessary.
“SIGHT IS OUR MOST IMPORTANT SENSE”
Vitrectomy is a sensitive microsurgery technique that requires expertise using advanced technology. In recent years, success in vitrectomy surgery has increased considerably, both with the rapid developments in technology and with the increase in surgical experience. However, in addition to performing a good surgery to increase vision, it is of great importance that the surgery be performed on time, without delay, and that the patient’s systemic condition is under control. It should not be forgotten that the sense of sight is our most important sense. Vision loss and blindness reduce the productivity of society, both socially and economically; It seriously reduces the patient’s quality of life.”
