Seniors with unmanaged diabetes are at risk for a few related complications, including an eye disease known as diabetic retinopathy. To help you and your aging loved one better understand this condition, here’s some information on the symptoms, treatment, and anatomy of diabetic retinopathy and tips on how to prevent it.
Diabetic Retinopathy Defined
A complication of sustained high insulin, this disease causes progressive damage to the retina. The longer a senior has diabetes, the greater the risk of developing retinopathy. Complications include glaucoma and retinal detachment. If untreated, blindness can result.
Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:
- Seeing floating strings
- Dark or empty spots in the central line of vision
- Blurred eyesight
- Impaired night vision
Seniors who have diabetes-related conditions may find daily tasks challenging, and a professional caregiver can be a great asset. The type of at-home care seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.
Anatomy
Uncontrolled blood sugar causes the vessels that feed the retina to weaken, which allows blood and fluid to leak into the macula. Swelling of the macula results in cloudy central vision, and fluid can also accumulate in the lens, changing its curvature and impairing focus. Usually, both eyes are affected. There are two classifications of diabetic retinopathy:
- NPDR – Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the early stage of the condition. Retinal arteries are weakened, creating tiny bulges in their walls that leak fluid and blood. At this stage, new blood vessels aren’t yet growing.
- PDR – Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the advanced stage of the condition. Existing blood vessels become blocked, and new blood vessels grow and multiply to compensate. The resulting scar tissue can cause the retina to detach from the back of the eye. If the new vessels impede fluid drainage, eye pressure can build, triggering glaucoma. When the bleeding is severe, vision can be completely lost.
A few of the most common risk factors for both stages of diabetic retinopathy include:
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Hispanic, African American, or Native American ethnicity
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of Home Care Milwaukee families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Treatment
Depending on the severity of your loved one’s symptoms, laser surgery may be needed to seal the leaking arteries. Injected medications can stop the formation of new vessels and decrease inflammation. Retinal detachment requires surgical repair.
Prevention
Many of the preventative measures your loved one can take are the same steps involved in managing diabetes. These measures include:
- Taking insulin medication as prescribed
- Following dietary recommendations for diabetes
- Exercising regularly
- Controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol
Some seniors with diabetes may find it challenging to manage their blood sugar levels on their own. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional Respite Care. Milwaukee, WI, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. Call us today to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
