Diabetes and Eye Care: Dr. Abisha GN on Awareness and Lifestyle Management (Part-2)
In this edition of DocScopy, Dr. Nirainila Joseph from MedBound Times sits down with Dr. Abisha GN, an aspiring ophthalmologist. She completed her MBBS degree at Tirunelveli Medical College, Tamil Nadu, India. She is currently pursuing her Diploma in Ophthalmology (DO) at Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India.
Dr. Abisha engages in a compelling conversation about diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of vision loss. This interview sheds light on the causes, symptoms, and crucial management strategies for this prevalent eye condition. Get ready to delve into the world of diabetic retinopathy alongside Dr. Abisha's expertise to understand and address this critical ophthalmic concern.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: While early treatment of diabetic retinopathy often leads to a positive prognosis, neglecting this condition can result in serious consequences. What are the potential complications of untreated diabetic retinopathy?
Dr. Abisha: Advanced diabetic eye disease is a serious vision-threatening complication of DR that occurs in patients for whom treatment has been inadequate or unsuccessful. It can cause hemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment, and rubeosis iridis which can progress to neovascular glaucoma.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Beyond diabetes itself, are there any specific risk factors that can increase a person's chances of developing diabetic retinopathy?
Dr. Abisha: The risk factors for DR can be modifiable which includes hyperglycemia associated hypertension, dyslipidemia, inflammation, obesity or non-modifiable which includes the duration of diabetes, genetic factors, ethnicity, pregnancy, etc.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Let's discuss the factors that patients can control to manage their condition effectively. Are there any specific dietary recommendations for people with diabetic retinopathy?
Dr. Abisha: Eating low glycemic index foods such as vegetables, fruits (eg. pear, apple), pulses and whole grains can keep the blood sugar level under control.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: How can patients monitor their eye health at home, especially if they have underlying lifestyle diseases like diabetes?
Dr. Abisha: Patients can even test their vision at home by pasting a vision chart on the wall and reading the letters in the chart to the smallest visible number by closing one eye followed by the other. It gives a rough estimation of vision.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: What are some common misconceptions about diabetic retinopathy that you encounter in your practice?
Dr. Abisha: Many patients believe the following two points:
If recent sugar levels are normal, there is no chance of any diabetes complications.
Diabetics with fine vision and no other symptoms do not need a dilated retinal test.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Managing any disease presents its own set of challenges, and diabetic retinopathy is no exception. What are some of the biggest challenges you face in managing patients with diabetic retinopathy?
Dr. Abisha: Most patients do not come for regular followup and they wont adhere to the anti diabetic medications regularly finally landing up in dreadful complications.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: How can public health initiatives improve awareness and prevention of diabetic retinopathy?
Dr. Abisha: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has programs for the control of NCDs (National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes and Stroke) and blindness (National Programme for the Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment). This helps in the opportunistic screening of all levels in the health care delivery system from sub-centre level and above and detects disease at an early stage.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Since diabetes is a chronic condition that affects multiple organ systems and overall health, effective management requires a team approach. In your opinion, how can communication and collaboration between ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, and primary care physicians improve the care of diabetic patients?
Dr. Abisha: Effective communication and collaboration between ophthalmologists, and other concerned medical professionals enhance the care of diabetic patients by ensuring comprehensive management, early detection, and personalized treatment plans. This integrated approach leads to improved patient education, streamlined care coordination, and ultimately better health outcomes by preventing complications and promoting continuous monitoring and adherence to medical advice.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Thank you Dr. Abisha! We appreciate the valuable information you've provided in this interview. As a final question, given that lifestyle choices play a significant role in long-term eye health, what are some of the key things young people can do today to reduce their risk of developing diabetes, obesity, and other diseases that can affect their vision later in life?
Dr. Abisha: Lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of developing diseases that can affect our vision include
Eating a healthy diet rich in fiber
Limited intake of sugar, and starchy vegetables
Physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week
Weight reduction
Quitting smoking
Limiting alcohol consumption
Getting more sleep
Stress management
HbA1C levels should be maintained in a normal range to prevent the progression of DR, once it develops.
MedBound Times expresses sincere gratitude to Dr. Abisha GN for sharing her valuable insights on our platform.
