Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye problems that can affect people diagnosed with diabetes. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. Diabetes can cause long-term eye damage that can lead to vision impairment or even blindness. However, there are preventative measures to manage diabetic eye disease and prevent it from getting worse.
A material created by Dr. Sabina Poenar for the Rodiabet.ro platform.
How do eye injuries occur in diabetes?
Diabetes affects eye health by raising blood glucose levels. In the case of a temporary increase in blood sugar, the risk of vision loss is reduced. However, high blood sugar can cause eye tissues to swell, affecting focus and causing blurred vision. These effects are usually temporary and resolve once blood sugar returns to normal.
In the long term, increased glucose levels can cause damage to the small blood vessels behind the eyes, even in the prediabetic stages. Damaged vessels can cause bleeding and swelling in the eye tissue. In addition, new fragile vessels may appear, which may bleed into the center of the eye, causing scarring or increased intraocular pressure.
4 major eye diseases
There are four major eye diseases that can threaten vision in diabetes:
Frequency of diabetic eye disease:
- Diabetic retinopathy: About a third of people with diabetes over the age of 40 have signs of diabetic retinopathy. It is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes, and regular management can reduce the risk of blindness by 95%.
- Glaucoma and cataracts: The risk of developing these conditions is about twice as high for people with diabetes.
How do these conditions manifest?
In the early stages of diabetic eye disease, symptoms may not be obvious. However, when they do occur, patients may notice:
- Blurred or distorted vision, difficulty focusing on objects or reading
- Frequent changes in vision, becoming clear at times and blurred at others
- Progressive decrease in side or peripheral vision
- Poor color vision, dark spots or spots in the field of vision
How do we prevent?
To prevent and manage diabetic eye disease, it is crucial that you take the following steps responsibly:
1. Diabetes Control: Keeping glucose levels within normal limits is essential to prevent long-term eye damage. This involves following your doctor’s recommendations and regularly monitoring your blood sugar.
2. Monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol level: Maintaining a healthy blood pressure and a cholesterol level within the therapeutic goal, significantly contributes to reducing the risk of vascular damage in the eyes.
3. Quit smoking: Smoking is associated with an increased risk of diabetic eye disease. Giving up this unhealthy habit is beneficial not only for the health of the eyes, but also for the whole body.
4. Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants supports eye health. Opt for foods like fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts in your diet to provide your eyes with essential nutrients.
5. Regular ophthalmologist examinations: Regular, preferably annual, visits to the ophthalmologist are vital for early detection of eye problems. These examinations allow the initiation of treatment in the early stages, thus preventing the development of complications.
Conclusion: Diabetes poses a significant risk to eye health, and careful glycemic management and adopting a healthy lifestyle are essential in preventing or managing this complication. It is important to pay regular attention to eye health and see a specialist regularly to identify and address potential problems at an early stage.
Text made by dr. Sabina Poenar, diabetes, nutrition and metabolic disease resident physician at Brașov County Emergency Hospitalinternationally certified SCOPE in obesity management, for the platform RODIABET. You can find more interesting materials about diabetes on the social accounts of Dr. Sabina Poenar: linkedin.com/in/sabina-poenar-60a56b186 and https://www.instagram.com/sabina_poenar/.
2023-12-15 14:10:38
#Diabetes #vision #detailed #impact #high #blood #sugar
