Diabetes and Eye Problems: An age-old connection
The modern lifestyle has pushed us to engage in unhealthy eating habits, which has led to diabetes becoming a common health issue around the world. Diabetes, often called the “Silent Killer”, harms many parts of our body, including the eyes. The high levels of blood sugar cause serious damage to the eyes, which leads to issues like blurry vision, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, etc. However, the good news is that nearly all of these conditions can be managed effectively through early detection.
In this blog, we will explore the connection between diabetes and eye problems, as well as effective ways to manage them.
Common Eye Diseases Related to Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Out of all the diabetes-related eye problems, diabetic retinopathy is the most well-known. It is a condition where high levels of blood sugar cause damage to the retinal blood vessels. This damage often leads the blood vessels to leak, swell, or get clogged. If ignored, abnormal blood vessels will start to grow, leading to retinal detachment. In India, over 16% of diabetic retinopathy patients suffer from permanent blindness.
Treatment Options:
- Photocoagulation (Laser Treatment)
- Vitrectomy
- Eye injections
- Anti-VEGF/ anti-inflammatory medicine
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition which causes damage to the optic nerve of the eye. It is usually a consequence of fluid buildup in the anterior part of the eye. The excess fluid builds pressure in the eye, causing damage. In case this condition is left ignored or untreated for a long time, it can lead to a gradual loss of peripheral vision. Therefore, for diabetics, regular checkups are mandatory for early detection of this condition.
Treatment Options:
- Laser Surgery
- Eye drops
- Oral medication
- Trabeculoplasty
- Microsurgery
Diabetic Macular Oedema
Diabetic Macular Oedema (DME) is an eye condition where there is fluid buildup in the macula. The macula refers to the part of the retina that is responsible for central vision. The excess fluid collection causes swelling, which in turn leads to blurry vision and vision distortion. In case this condition is ignored or not treated on time, it can gradually lead to permanent loss of vision. It is a complication commonly arising from Diabetic Retinopathy.
Treatment Options:
- Anti-VEGF therapy
- Laser surgery
Cataracts
Cataracts are an eye condition in which the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This cloudiness can cause issues like blurry vision, night vision struggles, and double vision. Although cataracts are most commonly seen in older adults, diabetics are at high risk of developing this condition too. Living with cataracts is not an easy task, as it makes performing daily tasks like reading, driving, or even recognising faces very difficult.
Treatment Options:
- Cataract surgery
- Healthy lifestyle changes
Early Symptoms
Eye conditions influenced by diabetes are a significant challenge. Just like diabetes, these eye conditions, too, in their early stages, do not show any obvious symptoms. However, many of their symptoms are common. Some of those are:
- Distorted vision
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty in focusing
If you experience any of the above symptoms, rush to your nearby eye doctor at the earliest! Remember, only early detection can save you from being a potential victim of permanent blindness. Give your eyes the care that they deserve.
Protect Your Eyes as a Diabetic
Manage Blood Sugar Levels
If you are a diabetes patient, always remember that managing your blood sugar levels is your first line of defence against both diabetes and diabetes related eye problems. Maintaining proper blood sugar levels is key in preventing pressure-induced damage to the blood vessels. The reduction of this strain also reduces the chances of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, or DME. Always ensure to eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that includes green vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. Avoid unhealthy food sources such as junk food and exercise regularly. Always follow the advice and suggestions of your doctor, and do not forget to take your medications daily.
Get Regular Eye Checkups
Early detection can save you from diabetes-related eye problems. Many diabetic eye conditions, like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, do not show early symptoms. These symptoms can only be detected by undergoing regular eye exams. Going through regular eye exams can assist in identifying these issues in their initial stages, facilitating early treatment. Early treatment can help in completely removing the issue of potential vision loss. Based on your condition, your eye doctor might suggest a comprehensive eye test every year. Always remember that early detection and treatment can help you maintain your eye health by reducing the chances of ocular complications. Just because you are a diabetic does not mean you should be suffering from vision issues. Go through tests, see clearly.
Embrace a Healthy Way of Living
A healthy lifestyle is your way to maintain a clear vision. Deciding how you live is a big factor in determining whether your eyes stay protected or not. Therefore, to enjoy the gift of vision, you need to include certain healthy components in your daily meals. You should include fruits, lean proteins, and healthy carbs, and avoid junk food completely if that is possible. Besides this, you should also try to stay active. Move your body: simple habits like walking and running can do wonders in controlling your blood sugar levels. Further, you should also try to limit your alcohol consumption and give up cigarettes. It will all be worth it in the long run.
Be Aware of Any Changes in Your Eyes
You should always be aware of any changes in your eyes if you have diabetes. Noticing any changes in your vision can help you protect your vision effectively. Considering this, you should always be careful of signs like blurred vision, sudden light flashes, floaters, dark spots, and night vision struggles. A significant chunk of diabetes-influenced eye diseases is notorious for not having any initial symptoms. However, the symptoms mentioned above are more or less common with the early symptoms of the majority of eye problems and issues. So, whenever you face them, run to your eye doctor!
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