In order to better preserve eye health
and vision, patients with diabetes need some help in order to have a better
understanding of diabetic retinopathy. A recent study exploring patients’ understanding of
the risk factors, cause and controllability of their own diabetic
retinopathy revealed considerable misunderstanding, gaps in knowledge and
potentially damaging beliefs about the cause and treatment of diabetic
retinopathy.
Focus groups and interviews were
conducted with patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), nearly half of whom had
severe proliferative DR-a serious complication. Most of these patients had also
undergone diabetic laser treatment. At the conclusion of the study, patients
were found to have had a reasonable understanding of the basic risk factors for
DR, such as diabetes control, but they were less clear about specific risk
factors such as blood pressure and lipid control.
Most patients attributed their DR either to poor diabetes control or to
failings of the health care system, rather than having a basic understanding of
the small blood vessel disease including circulatory and oxygen deprivation
that results from the damaged blood vessels in the retina. Some patients believed that their DR
was a result of health aspects beyond their control or environmental factors,
whereas others were unsure about the cause.
Improving patients' understanding of
the major risk factors for DR as well as helping them have a better
understanding of the causes of diabetic retinopathy and being able to grasp
expectations of realistic outcomes of laser treatment may improve patients'
coping mechanisms, adaption to disease and ocular outcomes.
If you or someone you know has questions or concerns
about diabetic eye problems including diabetic retinopathy please call Doctor
& Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County or
facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment.
Doctor & Associates is a leading Fairfield County
Connecticut eye care practice with offices at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195
Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk,
Connecticut 06851.
