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Diabetes is an increasingly global health concern; As 589 million adults (between the ages of 20 and 79) are currently suffering from it, and this number is expected to rise to 853 million by 2050.

According to the latest main statistics:

• More than 3.4 million deaths annually are attributed to diabetes.

• More than 4 out of 10 adults with diabetes are unaware of diabetes.

• More than 90% of diabetes is of type 2, and is affected by factors such as urbanization, aging of the population, and lifestyle changes.

• The health spending related to diabetes has reached a trillion USD, registering a 338% increase during the past seventeen years.

While diabetes represents a major health challenge in the Middle East and North Africa, where the highest regional spread rate is 17.6%. Here are some major statistics on diabetes in our area:

• 84.7 million adults (20-79 years) are expected to be injured in the Middle East and North Africa with diabetes by 2024, and this number is expected to rise to 163 million by 2050, an increase of 92%.

• 21.6% of the deaths associated with diabetes in the region occur in people under the age of 60, making them one of the highest percentages in the world.

• 37.2% of diabetics in the region remain without diagnosis.

The prevalence of diabetes among adults in the United Arab Emirates is 20.7%, as it is expected to reach 1.27 million cases by 2024.

These numbers highlight the urgent need to improve awareness and early diagnosis and enhance health care strategies in the region. Preventive measures, such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and early diagnosis, can help in managing diabetes and reducing its effects, and the forefront of which is diabetic retinopathy that Dr. Afra Salman, an ophthalmologist at the International Hospital, tells us more in an article today ..

What is the effect of diabetes on the eye?

According to Dr. Salman, diabetes is considered one of the most chronic diseases that affect many organs of the body, most notably the eye. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause microscopic blood vessels in the eye, which may cause weakness in sight or even blindness, if the condition is not dealt with properly.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Or (Diabetic Retinopathy) is one of the complications of diabetes, which affects the retina; It is the part responsible for converting light into signals sent to the brain to form the image.

Icehood is caused by microscopic blood vessels in the retina, due to the high level of sugar in the blood. These vessels are more vulnerable to leakage or blockage, and new vessels may grow abnormally, which leads to vision problems.

What are the most prominent symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

Symptoms often do not appear in the early stages, says Dr. Salman; That is why the periodic examination of the eye is necessary. With the progress of the condition, the following symptoms may appear:

1. A blurred or unclear vision.

2. Dark or floating spots in the field of vision.

3. Weak night vision.

4. Difficulty distinguishing colors.

5. Sudden loss of vision in one of the eyes.

6. See straight lines.

Can diabetic retinopathy cause blindness?

Yes, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness, especially if it is not diagnosed and treated in time. Diabetic retinopathy is usually diabetic through a comprehensive eye examination using a drop to expand the pupil, which allows the doctor clearly vision inside the eye. This examination may also include the use of a tincture in the arm of the arm to imagine the blood vessels in the eye, or the use of coherent optical tomography to measure the thickness of the retina.

The specialist doctor may also resort to examining the naughty lamp; This examination is used to discover any changes in the retina, such as bloating, bleeding or changes in blood vessels. The doctor may also ask the patient to use the Amsler network to test the central vision of the central vision; Or it is subject to optical nerve examination that can help assess the extent of the effect of diabetic retinopathy on the visual nerves.

The examination may also include tests such as a wick test, a sensation test, and a nerve delivery examination. Early examination of the retina helps in detecting diabetic retinopathy in its early stages, allowing the patient to obtain appropriate treatment to prevent visual loss; This is what we will get to know in detail from Dr. Salman.

What are the ways to treat diabetic retinopathy?

In the event of diabetes retinopathy, treatment options differ depending on the stage, and include the following:

1. Laser therapy (photoagulation)

It is used to treat leaked blood vessels and prevent the development of the condition. This treatment reduces the risk of losing vision, but it does not restore the lost sight.

2. Eye injection with anti-vegf therapy

Among the most prominent are: Eylea, Beastin, and Lucentis. This injection prevents the growth of abnormal blood vessels, also reduces network swelling, and the injection is repeated periodically, depending on the case.

3. Cretid therapy

It is used in some cases to reduce swelling in the retina, and may lead to complications such as high eye pressure or eye lens. So it should be taken under the supervision of the attending physician.

4. Vitrectomy

It is used in advanced cases of blood or tissue from the eye, and vision may be improved significantly in advanced cases.

What are the latest developments in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy?

An ophthalmologist at the modern international hospital, Dr. Afra Salman, reviews us for the latest findings of medicine in the field of treatment of diabetic retinopathy, in order to improve the quality of the lives of diabetics. The following includes:

1. Smart devices for continuous monitoring

Continuous glucose monitoring techniques (CGM) helps to accurately control sugar and reduce the risk of complications in kind.

2. Network artificial intelligence

It is modern tools that depend on artificial intelligence, to examine the retina without the need for a specialist, which contributes to early detection.

3. Genetic and cellular treatments

It is still in the stages of experiments, but it carries great hopes to repair the retinal damage instead of controlling the symptoms only.

4. MicroPulse Laser Therapy

It is an advanced type of laser treatment that causes less harm to the surrounding tissues.

Prevention remains a major and large role in preventing the deterioration of eye health due to diabetes; This is what we get to know in the following lines.

How do I protect myself from diabetic retinopathy?

Despite the seriousness of this disorder, its prevention is possible, Dr. Salman confirms; And through:

1. Strict control of blood sugar (controlling sugar levels as much as possible).

2. Maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol within the natural limits.

3. Follow a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

4. Quiting smoking.

5. Conducting the eye at least once annually.

in conclusion; Diabetic retinopathy is a silent threat to vision, but it is subject to prevention and treatment in the event of early detection and commitment to treatment. And the inclusion of modern technology in diabetes and delicate eye examination, gives hope to millions of patients around the world in preserving the grace of sight.