Can Retinopathy be prevented?
If your diabetes is rigorously controlled, the risk of contracting retinopathy can be reduced by 60% in type 1 (insulin dependent) and 40% in type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. Though most diabetics who have had the condition for a long period will have some degree of retinopathy, eye checks can enable early diagnosis and treatment. When Should My Eyes be Examined? It is recommended that people with insulin dependent diabetes should have their eyes examined when diagnosed with the condition or within four years after contracting it. Thereafter, regular annual eye checks are advised. Those with non-insulin dependent diabetes should be tested when diagnosed and at least annually thereafter. How is Diabetic Retinopathy Treated? Early detection and treatment is naturally the best and is done with laser photocoagulation to seal off leaking blood vessels and destroy new growth. The procedure is painless because the retina does not contain nerve endings. In some patients the blood may l
