What is Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is an eye disease caused by long-term uncontrolled diabetes. It affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that is responsible for vision. High blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to leakage, swelling, or abnormal growth of new vessels, which can cause vision loss.
- It is one of the most common causes of blindness in working-age adults and often develops gradually without early warning signs.
Causes & Risk Factors
The primary cause is persistent high blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, which damage retinal blood vessels. Risk increases with:
Poorly controlled blood sugar over years
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Kidney disease
- Pregnancy (in diabetic women)
- Long duration of diabetes (over 10–15 years)
Types of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) – Early stage; tiny blood vessels leak fluid or blood, causing swelling of the retina
2. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) – Advanced stage; abnormal new blood vessels grow, which can bleed into the eye and cause retinal detachment.
Symptoms
Early stages may have no symptoms, but as the disease progresses, patients may notice:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Dark spots or “floaters” in vision
- Sudden vision loss (in severe bleeding)
Colors appearing faded or washed out
Possible Complications
If untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to:
- Macular edema (swelling of the central retina)
- Vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding into the gel of the eye)
- Retinal detachment
- Permanent blindness
Homeopathic Approach
Homeopathy aims to control the underlying cause (diabetes) and slow down the damage to the retina by improving overall health and circulation. While advanced damage may require medical/surgical intervention, homeopathy can help in early and moderate stages to preserve vision and prevent further progression.
Some commonly indicated remedies (selection depends on the patient’s total symptoms and constitution):
- Phosphorus – For blurred vision, especially in diabetic patients, with sensitivity to light.
- Belladonna – For sudden vision changes with redness and throbbing pain.
- Sulphur – For hazy vision, heat in eyes, and burning sensation.
- Nux vomica – For vision strain with digestive troubles in diabetics.
Note :
Homeopathic remedies should only be taken after consultation with a qualified homeopathic physician.
