什么是糖尿病视网膜病变?
Diabetic retinopathy can be an invisible, yet life changing condition. That's why it is critical that people living with diabetes have annual vision screenings so that the condition can be detected before it causes vision loss.
在早期阶段, diabetic retinopathy does not usually cause symptoms or changes to eyesight, 让疾病在不被发现的情况下发展. Once symptoms appear, vision loss may be permanent, even with treatment.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that occurs when high blood sugar levels damage tiny blood vessels in the retina, 使它们渗漏或出血的, ultimately distorting vision once progressed to severe levels.
在一项研究中，美国农业部表示.S. 疾病控制和预防中心 (CDC) found that nearly one out of three adults with diabetes over age 40 have diabetic retinopathy. The prevalence is even higher for Black and Mexican Americans.
"When I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, it wasn't caught until too late. My whole world went from light to everyday was just getting darker and darker, 就像调光开关一样,”莫妮卡说。, a patient who lost her vision due to diabetic retinopathy. “每个人都会去看他们的初级保健医生, but not everybody will go to an ophthalmologist or a specialist unless there is a problem. 如果我能在我的初级保健办公室发现的话, hey you’re starting to show signs of diabetic retinopathy, 你得好好照顾自己, 它可能阻止了我失明."
根据疾控中心, regular eye exams and timely treatment could prevent up to 90% of diabetes-related blindness.1 Only about 60% of people with diabetes have recommended yearly exams for diabetic retinopathy.2 Imaging technology is available that allows diabetic patients to receive their retinal exam during a routine medical appointment and even in retail drug stores, 不用去看眼科专家.
“如果发现得早，糖尿病视网膜病变是可以治疗的,理查德·法尔基奥内说, 全球营销总监. "We are focused on increasing access to diabetic retinal exams through technology that can be used in locations that make it easier for patients – like their doctor’s office or a retail pharmacy. We've enabled diabetic retinal exams for more than one million patients and are committed to continuing our efforts to help people living with diabetes."