Blindness and vision impairment affects at least 2.2 billion people around the world, according to the World Health Organization. There are many reasons why a person may experience problems with eyesight, but one of the most common is diabetes.
Diabetes can damage nerves throughout the body although, most of the time, the impact is on the legs and feet. Sometimes, however, damage occurs in the eyes. This is called diabetic retinopathy. It does not always lead to loss of eyesight, but it gradually worsens over time.
There are devices and techniques that can help a person who may be suffering from vision impairment to read, watch, communicate, and perform certain tasks without a problem. Here are a few:
Visual Aids
People who have diabetic retinopathy due to diabetes will still be able to see well with visual impairment aids. In the UK, there are several options, each of which offers something different that promises to help patients see the world normally again.
Adjust Lighting
One easy fix you can do at home if you or a loved one experiences vision impairment is to adjust your lighting. For some, a bright light from a 100-watt light bulb is more optimal for everyday use. Others, however, might find that filtered or tinted light provides relief from eye strain. If the sunlight proves to be too harsh, installing curtains and blinds will decrease glare from outside.
You can make the most of smart devices to make the lighting at your home at your preferred settings at all times. Another option is to install motion-activated lighting in various areas of your home so that you can find your way in the dark in case you need to drink a glass of water or go to the bathroom. This will prevent any accidents late at night.
Computer Aids
Everyone owns and uses a personal computer. If your eyesight has gotten worse, you can tinker with your device’s settings so you can use it without problems. For example, you have the option to make the text that appears on your screen larger. Adjusting the background color has also helped some people read what is on their computer better.
There are also a couple of software specifically made for those who have vision impairment. A screen magnifier work like a magnifying glass that makes everything big enough for you to see without straining. A screen reader will verbally describe to you the text, graphic, and menus and control buttons on a webpage. These will help you navigate the internet and do your work with ease.
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
There are ways to manage and reverse diabetic retinopathy. For more advanced cases, laser treatment can bring your vision back to normal. Other options include the injection of medication directly into your eyes and surgery to remove scar tissue from your eyes.
In addition, controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure as well as cholesterol will stop the condition from worsening. Most of all, take medication as prescribed by your doctor.
As they say, prevention is better than cure. If you have diabetes, you are encouraged to attend eye screening once a year in order to thwart the issue before it becomes a serious problem that will interfere with your daily function. The condition can lead to blindness if not addressed as soon as possible, so seek help once you notice changes in your eyesight.
