In tune with the theme this year which is Breaking Barriers and bridging gaps ,
Let’s focus on some myths that exist in people’s minds about diabetic eye disease and be better informed to take care of our precious vision
Myth 1 – my optician said I have 100 percent vision so I assume my eyes are normal
Fact – Diabetic retinopathy can cause no symptoms at all in the mild to moderate stages . Vision disturbance , implies it’s already crossed the early stages .
Myth 2- My sugars are always under control. So my retina is normal .
Fact – though good sugar control is necessary for maintaining retinal health , it’s known that long standing diabetes can still cause retinal changes . It’s a lot to do with how long one has been diabetic.
Also other parameters like cholesterol is high or one is anemic can cause retinopathy even if sugars are well in normal range
Myth 3- diabetic retinopathy can be cured
Fact – Retinopathy can only be treated and controlled by several means like lasers , intra ocular medicine injections or surgery . This further supported by good lifestyle choices made by patient .
There is no permanent cure
Myth 4 – I must avoid undergoing any laser in eye because once I get it done , I will definitely need it again and again
Fact – there are several patients who have well maintained their retinal health with proper medicines , diabetic control and healthy lifestyle choices after their one initial laser treatment of retina . While some do need repeat treatments. It varies from person to person
Myth 5 – If I have diabetes , I must not undergo cataract surgery.
Fact – Cataract all over the world has only one treatment. Surgical Extraction and implantation of intra ocular lens .
However, in diabetics there are more considerations like ideal timing for a cataract surgery , choice of lens to be implanted and the health of retina while cataract removal being planned and we ophthalmologists consider all these parameters while operating on a diabetic patient .
All these misconceptions are more common than expected. Even in urban educated people!
Hence it’s imperative that we address these and educate others around us too
Author-Dr Jayashree Bhat