Diabetes is a condition that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin to control blood sugar (glucose) levels. Diabetes can harm blood vessels, the kidneys, and the heart. Furthermore, it can harm the tiny blood vessels in the eyes leading to various eye problems. Let’s look at various diabetes eye problems in detail in this blog.
Diabetes eye problems
Several eye problems can result from uncontrolled diabetes, including:
Diabetic Retinopathy
The most common diabetic eye complication damages blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems and even blindness if left untreated. Most often, there are no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. As the condition progresses, blood vessels in the retina begin to bleed into the vitreous, the gel-like fluid that fills the eye. If this occurs, you might notice dark, floating spots, streaks, blur or fade in your vision.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
Swelling in the macula, the retina’s central part can cause vision distortion and loss. People who already exhibit other diabetic retinopathy symptoms may get this.
Cataracts
Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing cataracts, which cloud the eye’s lens and lead to blurred vision. As people age, cataracts are more common. However, compared to people without diabetes, people with diabetes are more likely to experience an earlier and faster development of cataracts.
Glaucoma
Diabetes increases the risk of glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve and can result in vision loss.
Retinal Detachment
Abnormal blood vessels can pull on the retina, causing it to detach and leading to severe vision loss.
Blindness
If diabetic eye complications are not managed, they can ultimately result in partial or complete blindness.
Who has a higher risk of developing diabetic eye problems?
Every person with diabetes is at risk for developing diabetic eye disease. But the following diabetics have a higher probability of getting it:
- If you have diabetes for an extended time.
- You are unable to effectively manage high blood pressure or blood sugar levels.
- If you are pregnant.
- Having high cholesterol levels.
- Having smoking habits.
How can diabetic eye problems be managed?
One important tip for eye care among Indian diabetics is to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels and keep them under control. Regular check-ups with an eye specialist are also crucial to detect and manage any diabetic eye complications early.
To sum up
Thus, depending on the problems and their severity, diabetic eye problems may require appropriate treatment. It’s essential for individuals with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels, monitor their eye health regularly, and seek prompt medical attention if any vision problems arise to prevent or mitigate these complications.
