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As someone living with diabetes, it's crucial to understand how this condition can affect your eyes and vision. By educating yourself on the risks, symptoms, and management of diabetic retinopathy, you can take proactive steps to protect your eyesight and maintain optimal eye health.
Hypertensive retinopathy is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina. It is caused by high blood pressure which puts excessive pressure on the blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes. Over time, this increased pressure can damage the delicate blood vessels in the retina, leading to hypertensive retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that affects the eyes. It's caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye (retina). The condition can develop in anyone who has type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The longer you have diabetes and the less controlled your blood sugar is, the more likely you are to develop diabetic retinopathy. However, with early detection, proper management, and lifestyle changes, you can protect your vision and eye health.
Understanding age-related macular degeneration is not just about knowing the clinical terms or recognizing its symptoms. It's about understanding the impact it can have on our lives and the lives of those we love. It's about knowing the risk factors and taking preventive measures. It's about understanding the diagnosis and learning to live with it.