Blindness prevention by cholesterol drugs

Some researchers have found that cholesterol is linked with blindness and some diabetic complications. Due to this relation, patients with either of these two conditions can benefit from some cholesterol drugs. However, this finding is to some extent a little late because the drug has been in the market for three decades. These researchers have spent five years on this study and finally release this result. Better later than never. This finding does suggest another preventative treatment for diabetic individuals, who are a large group in the world.

Diabetic patients are at high risk of blindness

Like ham and eggs, diabetes and blindness always go together. It is widely known that diabetes increases the risk of developing eye diseases but many people are unaware of the potential risks of this disease. Actually, people who have suffered diabetes for more than five years must receive eye exams at least once a year. A comprehensive eye exam can help an eye doctor discover the damage to the retina caused by diabetes.

Diabetes requires proper care and control

Statistics show that diabetes-caused blindness occurs quite rarely that less than 2% of diabetic patients suffer total vision loss. However, the diabetics should never skip self-care about the disease. Diabetes is worth enough attention and patients have to do most of the work to control the disease. In fact, blindness is the severest consequence that is possibly caused by diabetes. But this disease actually puts related patients at a higher risk of some other eye problems that are relatively less serious, e.g. cataracts, glaucoma and retinopathy. It is a must to place it under control.

Preventative treatments for diabetes related eye problems

Proven therapies that help prevent or even reverse eye damage caused by diabetes include photocoagulation and biochemical interventions. Evidences also show that a well controlled blood glucose level can significantly decrease the risk of retinopathy. Yet the reversal solutions have not been proven, although some improvements are emerging. To be honest, it is a hard task to reverse diabetes-caused visual problems and recover normal vision.

Cholesterol drug that helps prevent blindness

Retinopathy in diabetic patients has proven to be reduced by a cholesterol drug named fenofibrate, which solves the foremost cause of blindness. The effectiveness of blindness prevention by cholesterol drugs is just one of the results. Researchers of the study from the University of Sydney also points out that this drug can reduce the risk of having laser surgery by a third.

Omega-3 fatty acids offer another option

Cholesterol drugs must be medicated if a diabetic patient wants to prevent eye damage, even if there is no cholesterol problem. Fortunately, omega-3 fatty acids have also been reported to prevent eye damage. This nutrient can be easily found in many foods such as mackerel, wild salmon, sardines and anchovies. With these options, diabetic patients can make a proper selection after consulting a doctor.