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Is There Any Scope For Further Improvement In Vision Of A Diabetic Patient?
Question: Dear Sir/Ms,
I retired from XXXXXXX Air Force in 1997. Unfortunately soon after retirement I was diagnosed with diabetes. I am now 75 years old; I am active and physically fit and walk 3-4 km every day. My HbA1c varies between 7.2 to 7.5. (controlling below 7.0 I tend to get severe hypos).
On 30 July last year I went for cataract surgery; a week later my left eye was severely infected and I had to undergo emergency surgery to remove the infection. My retina was damaged. Infection was caused by bacteria 'Pseudo Monas'. I lost my vision in the left eye. However, with extensive treatment of antibiotics and other drugs I feel I have regained about 15-20 per cent of vision - my Ophthalmologist has indicated that it is 6/60.
I would like to know if there is any scope for further improvement. I would be deeply grateful if you could advise what drugs and nutrition I need to take.
I retired from XXXXXXX Air Force in 1997. Unfortunately soon after retirement I was diagnosed with diabetes. I am now 75 years old; I am active and physically fit and walk 3-4 km every day. My HbA1c varies between 7.2 to 7.5. (controlling below 7.0 I tend to get severe hypos).
On 30 July last year I went for cataract surgery; a week later my left eye was severely infected and I had to undergo emergency surgery to remove the infection. My retina was damaged. Infection was caused by bacteria 'Pseudo Monas'. I lost my vision in the left eye. However, with extensive treatment of antibiotics and other drugs I feel I have regained about 15-20 per cent of vision - my Ophthalmologist has indicated that it is 6/60.
I would like to know if there is any scope for further improvement. I would be deeply grateful if you could advise what drugs and nutrition I need to take.
Brief Answer:
There is need for further ophthalmic evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr XXXX,
It is really difficult to predict further improvement in your vision.
To know the scope of improvement in your vision there may be need for further ophthalmic evaluation.
You have a long duration of diabetes (more than 15 years) which make you prone for development of Diabetic retinopathy.
We can only do is to prevent further damage to your eyes by the complications of diabetes and high blood pressure.
You should
1) Agressively monitor your Blood sugar levels and adjust dose of insulin accordingly as per your doctor.
2) Regular ophthalmic evaluation as per your ophthalmologist.
3) Continue your antihypertensive medication with frequent blood pressure monitoring.
4) Keep your lipid profile under control.
5) New medicine like Aldose reductase inhibitors can be used to slow the progression of Diabetic retinopathy.
6) Take nutritional supplements of vitamin A and D after discussing with your doctor.
Hope this may have clarified your queries.
I will be happy to answer your follow up questions.
Regards,
Dr Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.
There is need for further ophthalmic evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr XXXX,
It is really difficult to predict further improvement in your vision.
To know the scope of improvement in your vision there may be need for further ophthalmic evaluation.
You have a long duration of diabetes (more than 15 years) which make you prone for development of Diabetic retinopathy.
We can only do is to prevent further damage to your eyes by the complications of diabetes and high blood pressure.
You should
1) Agressively monitor your Blood sugar levels and adjust dose of insulin accordingly as per your doctor.
2) Regular ophthalmic evaluation as per your ophthalmologist.
3) Continue your antihypertensive medication with frequent blood pressure monitoring.
4) Keep your lipid profile under control.
5) New medicine like Aldose reductase inhibitors can be used to slow the progression of Diabetic retinopathy.
6) Take nutritional supplements of vitamin A and D after discussing with your doctor.
Hope this may have clarified your queries.
I will be happy to answer your follow up questions.
Regards,
Dr Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
Dear Dr Abhay
Is the drug Aldose reductase inhibitors available in XXXXXXX NCR, where I live. If so what is the brand name and which company markets it. What would be the dosage. Of course, I will consult my Endo.
Is the drug Aldose reductase inhibitors available in XXXXXXX NCR, where I live. If so what is the brand name and which company markets it. What would be the dosage. Of course, I will consult my Endo.
Brief Answer:
Use of Aldose reductase inhibitor need to be discussed with your doctor.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Following are different aldose reductase inhibitors-
1) Epalrestat.
2) Ranirestat.
3) fidarestat.
Epalrestat is available with brand name of Aldonil.
Product of Zydus.
It's role in Diabetic Retinopathy is not well defined.
You should discuss it's use in your case with your endocrinologist.
Hope this helps you.
Regards,
Dr Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.
Use of Aldose reductase inhibitor need to be discussed with your doctor.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Following are different aldose reductase inhibitors-
1) Epalrestat.
2) Ranirestat.
3) fidarestat.
Epalrestat is available with brand name of Aldonil.
Product of Zydus.
It's role in Diabetic Retinopathy is not well defined.
You should discuss it's use in your case with your endocrinologist.
Hope this helps you.
Regards,
Dr Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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