If you have diabetes, you may have already noticed some changes in your eyes. Diabetes can cause a number of eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, and glaucoma.
See the Effects on Yours Eyes due to High Sugar
Did you know that diabetes can affect your eyes? The shocking fact being that diabetes is one of leading causes of complete vision loss in adults. There are several eye problems that can occur as a result of diabetes. If you have diabetes, you may be at risk for developing serious eye problems. Over time, high glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in your retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eyes. So, if you have diabetes, it is important to have your eyes checked regularly. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic eye disease can help prevent vision loss.
Diabetic retinopathy is a highly prevalent eye problem. It occurs when high levels of sugar in the blood damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes. These are of 2 types basically:
Non-proliferative retinopathy. This is the early stage, when blood vessels in your retina are damaged.
Proliferative retinopathy. This is the more advanced stage, when new blood vessels grow in your retina. Such new vessels tend to be weak and thus they can lead to blood leakage.
Diabetic macular edema is another common diabetic eye problem. It occurs when the blood vessels in the macula, the small area of the retina responsible for central vision, leak fluid. This can cause the macula to swell, blurring your central vision.
Glaucoma is yet another diabetic eye problem. It occurs when the pressure in the eye becomes too high, damaging the optic nerve. Worse, this can cause loss of vision and even complete blindness.
Cataracts are another common diabetic eye problem. These happen when the eye lens becomes somewhat cloudy, thus making it tough for the patient to see properly. Cataracts usually affect both eyes.
Diagnosing Diabetic Eye Problems
Diagnosis of diabetic eye disease usually begins with a comprehensive eye exam. Your doctor will check your eyes for signs of diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, and glaucoma. If you have any of these conditions, you may need to have additional tests, such as a fluorescein angiogram or optical coherence tomography, to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatments for Diabetic Eye Problems
Early treatment of diabetic eye disease is important to prevent vision loss. If you have diabetic retinopathy, your doctor may recommend laser surgery to seal or destroy the damaged blood vessels in your eyes. Laser treatment can be used to treat early diabetic retinopathy. If the disease progresses to advanced stages, treatment may involve surgery. Treatment options include:
Laser surgery. This can stop or slow the progression of retinopathy.
Injections of anti-VEGF drugs. Such types of drugs could help in stopping the new blood vessels from growing.
Surgery to remove the damaged retina. This is usually a last resort.
You Can Come to 1Health Medical Center If You Have Any Eye Problems Due to Diabetes
If you have diabetes, take care of your eyes and be sure to see your eye care professional regularly to have regular eye exams. Early detection and treatment is crucial. Your doctor can only detect these early signs of retinopathy and recommend treatment to prevent vision loss. You can come in touch with 1Health Medical Center for the best medical advice in this regard and treatment, if needed.
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