Diabetic Retinopathy

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that may occur in people who have diabetes. It causes progressive damage to the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is a serious sight-threatening complication of diabetes. Diabetes interferes with the body’s ability to use and store sugar (glucose). The disease is characterized by too much sugar in the blood, which can cause damage throughout the body, including the eyes. Over time, diabetes damages small blood vessels throughout the body, including the retina. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when these tiny blood vessels leak blood and other fluids. This causes the retinal tissue to swell, resulting in cloudy or blurred vision. The condition usually affects both eyes. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they will develop diabetic retinopathy. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness.

When people with diabetes experience long periods of high blood sugar, fluid can accumulate in the lens inside the eye that controls focusing. This changes the curvature of the lens, leading to changes in vision. However, once blood sugar levels are controlled, usually the lens will return to its original shape and vision improves. Patients with diabetes who can better control their blood sugar levels will slow the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

• Seeing spots or floaters
• Blurred vision
• Having a dark or empty spot in the center of your vision
• Difficulty seeing well at night

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What causes diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy results from the damage diabetes causes to the small blood vessels located in the retina. These damaged blood vessels can cause vision loss:

Fluid can leak into the macula, the area of the retina responsible for clear central vision. Although small, the macula is the part of the retina that allows us to see colors and fine detail. The fluid causes the macula to swell, resulting in blurred vision.

In an attempt to improve blood circulation in the retina, new blood vessels may form on its surface. These fragile, abnormal blood vessels can leak blood into the back of the eye and block vision.

‍Diabetic retinopathy is classified into two types:

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the early stage of the disease in which symptoms will be mild or nonexistent. In NPDR, the blood vessels in the retina are weakened. Tiny bulges in the blood vessels, called microaneurysms, may leak fluid into the retina. This leakage may lead to swelling of the macula.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the more advanced form of the disease. At this stage, circulation problems deprive the retina of oxygen. As a result, new, fragile blood vessels can begin to grow in the retina and into the vitreous, the gel-like fluid that fills the back of the eye. The new blood vessels may leak blood into the vitreous, clouding vision.

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How do we treat Diabetic Retinopathy at Netra?

Acupuncture

Clinical studies have shown Acupuncture is effective in a wide range of disorders including Eye Diseases, Diabetes, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto, Cushing’s Syndrome, Osteoporosis, Thyroiditis, PCOS / Addison’s Disease and Menopause.

• Increases Ocular Circulation.
• Reduces Inflammation and Increases Circulation.
• Non-Surgical and Opioid-Free treatment.
• No side effects and safe.
• Releases Endorphins to combat pain.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda offers one of the most effective medicines for digestive issues and helps to correct root cause of your condition.

• Complete holistic healing system in existence more than 3000 years.
• Based on the concept of root-cause diagnosis and management.
• Focuses equally on prevention and cure to improve quality of life.
• Helps identify and recommends foods for your body type and condition.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine has a history of at least several thousand years and uses mostly plants to treat diseases and promote health.

Can successfully treat many chronic and complex conditions.

• Clinically and scientifically proven to treat a wide range of complex eye conditions.
• Safe and has relatively less side effects.
• Helps boost your immune system naturally.
• Shown to reduce stress and relieve anxiety.
• Improves respiratory and cardiovascular function.

Therapeutic Yoga

Therapeutic Yoga or Yoga Therapy involves employing a variety of yoga practices to help improve a health.

It also adapts the practice of Yoga to the needs of people with specific health condition.

• Improves strength, balance and flexibility.
• Helps with chronic pain relief.
• Improves circulation and reduces blood pressure.
• Reduces stress and improves sleep.
• Improves respiratory and cardiovascular function.