Diabetic Retinopathy is a major cause
of new blindness in the U.S. it is of concern that patients do not have a
better understanding of diabetic eye disease and its risk factors. 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.
Diabetic Retinopathy Patient Understanding Study
Focus groups and interviews were
conducted with 57 patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), nearly half of whom
had severe proliferative DR-a serious complication. Most of these patients had
also undergone 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 about Diabetic Retinopathy or needs an eye
exam for diabetic Eye Disease, please feel free to call Seeta Eye Centers and schedule an eye
examination by calling 845-454-1025, visiting Seeta Eye Centers or
facebook.com/seetaeyecenters.
Seeta Eye Centers is conveniently located at 23 Davis Avenue,
Poughkeepsie, New York 12603, Cecilwood Health Center, 969 Main
Street, Fishkill, New York 12524 and 664 Stoneleigh Avenue, Suite 100, Carmel,
New York 10512 for patients from
Westchester County, Rockland County and throughout the Hudson Valley,
Dutchess County and Orange County.
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