Sleep apnea linked to blindness in diabetic patients

Severe sleep apnea is a risk factor for developing diabetic macular edema, a complication of diabetes that can cause vision loss or blindness, a study said.

For the study, the research team looked at the data from all patients diagnosed over an 8-year period at a Hospital in Taiwan.

“Based on the results, we hope that more medical professionals will approach sleep apnea as a risk factor for diabetic macular edema,” said study researcher Juifan Chiang from Taiwan.

This condition is called ‘Diabetic Retinopathy’ and is a leading cause of blindness in the US.

Diabetic macular edema is more difficult to treat in patients with severe sleep apnea, the researchers said.

When diabetics have poor control over the blood sugar levels, tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye can become damaged. 

Sometimes, tiny bulges protrude from the blood vessels, leaking fluid and blood into the retina. This fluid can cause swelling or edema in an area of the retina that allows us to see clearly.

According to the researchers, sleep apnea may contribute to the development and worsening of Diabetic Retinopathy by increasing insulin resistance, elevating inflammation and raising blood pressure, all of which can damage the blood vessels at the back of the eye.

They found the rate of severe sleep apnea was significantly higher in patients with diabetic macular edema compared with those without diabetic macular edema (80.6 per cent vs. 45.5 per cent).
They also found that the worse their sleep apnea was, the worse their macular edema. 

Severe sleep apnea was also more prevalent in patients who needed more treatment to control their macular edema. 

The study was presented at the 123rd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in the US.

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Smoking may also make you blind besides damaging lungs

Do you smoke cigarettes? Think twice before taking another drag as it may not only damage your heart or lungs but can also make you blind, experts say.

Smoking harms the retina -- the light-sensing tissue in the back of the eyes, responsible for transmitting images to the brain.

"It's like a film of a camera which converts light rays into impulses which help us see,"says an ophthalmologist.

"Smoking increases the chemical compounds in the bloodstream thereby reducing blood and oxygen flow to the retina. This makes smokers two times more susceptible to Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)," the Dr. added.

A recent study,  indicated significant changes in the smokers' red-green and blue-yellow colour vision, which suggested that consuming substances with neurotoxic chemicals, such as those in cigarettes, may cause overall colour vision loss.

Smoking is one of the largest preventable causes of various diseases and premature deaths worldwide.

India was among the top 10 countries together accounting for almost two-thirds of the world's smokers (63.6 per cent) in 2015, according to doctors.

Smoking can further affect a bunch of eye diseases like cataract, glaucoma etc. While diseases related to the front of the eye are easily recognised, retinal diseases like AMD and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) might develop silently and lead to progressive vision loss if not treated on time.

"The vision loss caused by retinal diseases cannot be reversed. However, if the condition is diagnosed on time the disease can be managed effectively to prevent further loss of vision. Recognition of symptom is a key aspect for timely diagnosis," an Ophthalmologist/Eye and Vitreoretinal Surgeon, told.

"The symptoms of these retinal diseases are often confused with those of old age or other eye disorders which leads to delayed diagnosis," he added.

People with diabetes need to be extra cautious of any vision changes and need to follow a healthy lifestyle as they are more susceptible to diabetic retinopathy.

"Today, there are treatment options available that can slow or halt disease progression. Some of the treatment options available in India include laser photocoagulation, anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) injections and combination therapy which includes laser and anti-VEGF treatment," Dudani asserted.

According to experts, owing to an unhealthy lifestyle, dietary habits and constant stress and exposure to digital screens, the incidence of retinal diseases and other eye disorders is rising among the working population.

They say that a cessation programme can help an individual quit smoking.

"It can be advised to consult an expert and take up a cessation programme to quit smoking. Other than this, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and including a range of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, that have antioxidants can help maintain retinal health," the Dr. said.

"Dark, leafy greens such as kale, spinach, lettuce etc. have lutein and zeaxanthin - both important nutrients for eye health. Certain vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin A also help in overall eye health and help prevent the progression of AMD and DME," he noted.

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What is diabetic macular edema? 5 superfoods to manage DME and improve eyesight

World Diabetes Day, celebrated on November 14 every year, is a day to raise awareness of the impact that diabetes has on the family and support network of those affected. The theme for World Diabetes Day 2018-2019 is ‘The Family and Diabetes’, which seeks to promote the role of the family in the management, care, prevention and education of diabetes. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), more than 425 million people are currently living with diabetes in the world, with most of these cases are type 2 diabetes. India is witnessing a significant rise in the number of diabetics in recent years. As per national statistics, there are over 72 million diabetes patients in India.
Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes is largely preventable through a combination of regular physical activity, a healthy and balanced diet, and the promotion of healthy living environments. Poor management of diabetes can lead to several health complications, including diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the most common form of diabetic retinopathy.

What is diabetic macular edema?

Diabetic macular edema is serious and can rob you of your vision. It occurs when the damaged blood vessels swell and leak into the macula of the retina (the light-sensitive area at the back of your eye), causing visibility issues in the normal vision.

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, leading ophthalmologists from the country are encouraging various positive lifestyle changes alongside effective treatment to manage DME, effectively. “Following a healthy, balanced and nutritional diet boosts good eye health. All vegetables and fruits which are rich in pigments are good for eye health. Diabetic patients can include lutein-rich foods like eggs, corn, kiwi etc to their diet. One should also exercise on a regular basis to maintain a healthy lifestyle to manage their condition better,” an Ophthalmologist.

Superfoods to manage diabetic macular edema and maintain good eyesight

For generations, mothers have advised their children to eat their carrots for the sake of their eyes. Indeed, carrots do contain compounds that are vital to vision. Today’s Gen X moms and others should know that eating for better vision is not just about carrots anymore. Research has shown that certain dietary habits may help manage diabetic macular edema. 

Green Tea

Green tea is truly a miracle beverage that has been reported to delay or prevent many clinical disorders such as cancers, osteoarthritis and cardiovascular diseases. It has been shown that the polyphenol present in green tea helps control blood sugar levels. One study in Japan found that consumption of 6 or more cups of green tea can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a risk factor of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. This implies that effective management of diabetes can also help manage DME. 


Vitamin C-rich diet

Evidence suggests vitamin C can help slow the progression of macular degeneration. Foods like berries, oranges, and kiwis aren’t just delicious but an excellent way to ensure that you get enough vitamin C. This water-soluble vitamin and powerful antioxidant in these foods help the body form and maintain connective tissue, including your bones, skin and blood vessels, especially vessels in the eyes.

Vitamin A-rich diet

Vitamin A is essential for good vision. Sweet potatoes are great sources of vitamin A. They contain a carotenoid called beta-carotene, which gives the root vegetable its notable bright orange colour. And beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, which can help promote eye health. Some other food sources of vitamin A are eggs, carrots and apricots.

Fish

Yes, you read that right! No longer just a great source of protein, fatty fish is an excellent source of vitamin D, which promotes bone health as well as plays a role in immune function and reducing inflammation. In 2016, researchers in Spain found that individuals who consumed at least 500 mg of omega 3 fatty acids per day showed a decreased risk of diabetic retinopathy.

Lutein-rich foods

Dark, leafy greens such as kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, and collard veggies like corns are packed with nutrients, including lutein and zeaxanthin that are beneficial for eye health. Many studies have also shown that lutein and zeaxanthin can help reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, including AMD and cataracts.

Along with the various lifestyle risks associated with diabetes, it is also important for patients to stay alert in recognising early signs and symptoms of retinal diseases to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.  Perhaps, diabetics are advised to visit an ophthalmologist/retinologist every six months, because they are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Some common symptoms of DME include blurred or fuzzy or distorted vision, impaired colour vision, decreased contrast or colour sensitivity, dark spots in vision, straight lines appearing wavy or crooked and difficulty seeing at a distance. Early detection of diabetic macular edema increases the possibility of preventing vision loss.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                             PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/   

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Retinal disease is the leading cause of chronic blindness

The blind population in India is estimated to rise to 15 million by 2020. Retinal diseases account for a significant share of the vision loss burden, compared to other eye-related diseases that can cause blindness. Of the various retinal disorders, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are two progressive diseases that cause loss of vision. AMD and DME can be effectively managed if patients are diagnosed in a timely manner. Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying symptoms associated with the diseases to identify the disease at an early stage.

Understanding Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
The retina is that part of the eye where the final vision is formed, the way it is created on a film inside a camera. If the retina is damaged, the vision is automatically affected. AMD affects the macula of the retina causing damage to the centre vision. AMD is one of the important causes of severe visual loss in the elderly population. It constitutes to 8.7% of blindness in the world. Diabetic Retinopathy damages blood vessels inside the retina at the back of the eye. It constitutes 4.8% of blindness in the world. Diabetic Retinopathy leads to Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) which is the most common form of DR. It occurs when the damaged blood vessels swell and leak into the macula of the retina causing visibility problem in the normal vision.

Awareness of Retinal Diseases
An Ophthalmologist and Eye and Vitreoretinal Surgeon said, “The severity of Diabetic Retinopathy is related to the duration of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). A person suffering from DM for a period of 10 years has 50% risk of getting diagnosed with Diabetic Retinopathy whereas if the duration increases to 20 years the rate ratchets up to 90%. Similarly, poor diabetes control leads to rapid progression of DR.”

Timely diagnosis
Another Dr. said, “Retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema are progressive conditions that can be managed effectively if diagnosed in a timely manner. 

Therefore, it is vital to seek expert advice as soon as one experiences the symptoms. Timely diagnosis can help slow the disease progression.”

Patients need to be alert in recognizing early signs and symptoms of retinal diseases. Most often, the symptoms of AMD are confused with old age. Diabetics are advised to visit an 
ophthalmologist/retinologist every six months, as they are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Early detection of AMD and DME increases the possibility of preventing vision loss.

Common signs and symptoms
The symptoms of retinal diseases may vary depending on the type of retinal disorder. However, most of the symptoms overlap each other or are common in various diseases. For example:

• blurred or fuzzy or distorted vision
• impaired colour vision
• decreased contrast or colour sensitivity
• experiencing dark spots in vision
• straight lines that appear wavy or crooked
• difficulty seeing at a distance
• vision loss

Treatment Protocol
Today, there are treatments available that can slow or halt disease progression. Some of the treatment options available in India include laser photocoagulation, anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) injections and combination therapy which includes laser and anti-VEGF treatment.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.    

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