Retinal Bleeding

Conditions of diabetic retinopathy can be minimised by keeping an eye on blood sugar levels.

 

Diabetes mellitus, in the long term, can affect almost every organ in the body and diabetics need to take care to keep complications to the minimum. It takes at least a decade for the person to realise how diabetes can affect heart, blood vessels, eyes and kidneys. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects the eyes.

The retina of the eye is like a mirror on which the light rays fall and then translated to the brain through the optic nerve as visuals. But if a diabetic complains of a dull or a blurred vision, floaters in the eyes, rings, flashing lights especially while driving at night and has trouble seeing things from the corners of the eyes, he needs to be investigated. This could be due to the retina not responding well in conveying the messages to the brain through the optic nerve. Of course there are other conditions such as glaucoma or increased pressure in the eyes, cataract or the opacity of the lens which can also cause such symptoms. An examination is necessary to find the real changes.

Blood supply through tiny blood vessels help in functioning of the retina. Long-term high blood glucose and blood pressure levels can damage these vessels. The vessels become swollen and weak and some of them can get clogged leading to insufficient supply to the retina.

Initially, there may not be any problem with the vision. As months go by, in a sort of self-helping capacity, the body develops new blood vessels. But these are weak and, tend to break open easily and leak blood into the open spaces of the eye. This comes in the way of the light on the retina and causes blurred or foggy vision.

If this remains unattended, the blood vessels can heal on their own and the scar tissue can shrink the portion of the retina, resulting in partial vision. This can cause more complications like detached retina and can cause imminent loss of sight.

Keeping blood sugar levels within normal limits is always the rule. Stay active by exercising half an hour a day, ensure balanced diet and medication. Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control is imperative. Avoid smoking. Homoeopathic medicine like Phos, Lachesis and Belladonna can ensure that accessory blood vessels do not bleed. After restoration of vision, the resorption of the blood from the eye can happen with medicines like Apis mel, Gelsemium etc.