Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin effectively to control blood sugar (glucose) levels. Too much glucose in the blood for a long time can cause damage in many parts of the body. Diabetes can damage the heart, kidneys and blood vessels. It damages small blood vessels in the eye as well. Even if diabetes is well controlled, it can affect your regular eye care.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that about 90% of vision loss from diabetes can be prevented. Early detection is the key. People with diabetes should get critical, annual eye exams even before they have signs of vision loss. Studies show that 60% of diabetics are not getting the exams their doctors recommend.
What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic eye disease is a term for several eye problems that can all result from diabetes. Diabetic eye disease includes:
- Diabetic Retinopathy,
- Diabetic Macular Oedema,
- Cataract, And Glaucoma.
Diabetic Retinopathy
It is a stage of the disease process in which the blood vessels in the retina are damaged and leak fluid or blood. It has been seen that 25% of all diabetics develop this complication after 10 years of developing Diabetes and 50% develop it after 20 years of developing diabetes. People with Type 1 Diabetes (Diabetes since childhood) are more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy at a younger age. Diabetics also have a higher incidence of cataract and glaucoma and those with poorly controlled blood sugar and blood pressure are at a higher risk of losing vision.
Diabetic Macular Oedema:
Macular oedema happens when fluid builds up on the retina and causes swelling and blurry vision. Diabetes can cause macular oedema. Diabetic macular oedema can lead to permanent vision loss.
Diabetes and Cataracts
Excess blood sugar from diabetes can causes cataracts. You may need cataract surgery to remove lenses that are clouded by the effects of diabetes. Maintaining good control of your blood sugar helps prevent permanent clouding of the lens and surgery.
Diabetes and Glaucoma:
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to your eye’s optic nerve. This damage leads to irreversible loss of vision.
What Other Eye Problems Are Related to Diabetes?
Diabetes can cause vision problems even if you do not have a form of diabetic eye disease. These can include:
- Blurry vision. If your blood sugar levels change quickly, it can affect the shape of your eye’s lens, causing blurry vision. Your vision goes back to normal after your blood sugar stabilizes. Have your blood sugar controlled before getting your eyeglasses prescription checked. This ensures you receive the correct prescription.
- Double vision. Diabetes can damage the nerves that move the eyes and help them work together. This nerve damage can lead to double vision.
Diabetes is a risk factor for several other eye diseases. They include:
- Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)
- Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)
- DRY EYE
Who is at risk of diabetic macular oedema?
All people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at risk of diabetic macular oedema.
You are at greater risk if you:
- Have had diabetes for a long time–about one in three people living with diabetes for 20 years or more will develop diabetic macular oedema
- Have poorly controlled blood sugars
- Have high blood pressure
- Have high cholesterol levels
- Smoking
- Pregnant
How to reduce the risks of diabetic macula oedema
Diabetic macula oedema may be detected during your annual eye screening visits, which are offered to all patients with diabetes. Digital photographs of your retina may show signs of early diabetic macular oedema. You may not notice any changes in your vision at this stage.
If diabetic macular oedema is detected then you will require treatment as soon as possible
Steps to Follow to Protect Your Vision
To prevent eye damage from diabetes, maintain good control of your blood sugar. Follow your primary care physician’s diet and exercise plan. Regular Eye Check Up with the ophthalmologist is crucial. Be sure to never skip the follow-up examination that your ophthalmologist recommends.
Have questions or concerns about your eye health? Feel free to get in touch with our dedicated team of experts. We‘re here to help you see the world more clearly”. Contact Us on +91 872 598 7940.
