Today, the doctor will explain why diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness in Thailand. More than half of diabetic patients are unaware that they have the condition, and many others who know they have it don’t seek treatment or are unable to control their blood sugar levels well enough. Diabetic retinopathy can develop even after only a few years of having diabetes. If someone has had diabetes for over 15 years, there is an 80% chance of developing diabetic retinopathy, and the risk continues to increase over time. One in five diabetic retinopathy patients may lose their vision rapidly within 3 years.

          Therefore, I recommend that all diabetic patients should…

1. Regularly undergo eye exams, even if there are no abnormal symptoms.
2. Regularly test your vision in each eye by closing one eye at a time and using the other to look, as diabetic eye disease may affect only one eye, causing the patient to be unaware of any vision problems.
3. Strive to control your blood sugar and blood pressure as effectively as possible.