Eye Damage, Diabetic Retinopathy symptoms, treatment and prevention

Damage or disease of the retina (delicate membrane that lines the back and sides of the eyes) is the major cause of blindness in people with diabetes. The blood vessels of the retina are the first to be damaged by high blood sugar. Degenerative changes occur in the cells of the retina, their maybe leakage from the blood vessels. All these changes lead to gradual decrease in vision. Excessive bleeding in the retina can cause sudden loss of vision.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

• Eye pain
• Blurred vision usually while reading
• Tiny specks or cobwebs floating in the eye
• An empty or black spot in the center of the vision
• Flashes of light or rings around objects or a gray shadow in the field of vision.

Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy

• A healthy diet, good eye care and control of blood glucose are the important factors that help in warding off eye problems.
• At least twice a year, get your eyes examined or when the vision is decreasing.
• Early detection and immediate remedy prevents deterioration and loss of sight.

Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

• Eye exercises relax and strengthen the eyes and prevent eye complications. Move the eyes gently up and down, side to side and in circular motion, clockwise and anticlockwise and rotating the neck in circles and semicircles.
• Palming of eyes removes strain and relaxes eyes and its surrounding tissues. For that sit comfortably in an armchair and relax with closed eyes, cover right eye with right palm and vice versa. Now imagine blackness that grows darker and darker.
• Raw and natural foods are highly beneficial for eye complications. These include green vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, nuts, dairy products and root vegetables.
• Vitamin A safeguards all kind of eye disease. Green peas, spinach, turnips, carrot, cabbage, oranges, dates, tomato, milk, butter and cream are all rich sources of Vitamin A.