Diabetes can have significant impacts on eye health, and managing blood sugar levels is crucial to preventing complications. Here are some common eye conditions associated with diabetes:
1. Diabetic Retinopathy
- Cause: High blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
- Types:
- Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR): Early stage with weakened blood vessels that may leak fluid or blood.
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR): Advanced stage where new, abnormal blood vessels grow, risking retinal detachment and vision loss.
- Symptoms: Often, none in early stages; blurred vision, floaters, or dark areas in advanced stages.
2. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
- Cause: Swelling in the macula, the central part of the retina, caused by leaking blood vessels.
- Symptoms: Blurred or wavy vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces.
3. Cataracts
- Cause: High blood sugar can accelerate clouding of the eye’s natural lens.
- Symptoms: Blurred, hazy vision, glare, difficulty with night vision.
4. Glaucoma
- Cause: Increased pressure in the eye, often associated with fluid buildup. People with diabetes are at higher risk.
- Symptoms: Peripheral vision loss, tunnel vision in advanced stages, eye pain, redness.
5. Blurry Vision
- Temporary blurry vision can occur with blood sugar fluctuations as fluid shifts in the eye, affecting the shape of the lens.
Prevention and Management Tips
- Regular Eye Exams: Annual dilated eye exams to detect changes early.
- Blood Sugar Control: Consistently managing blood glucose levels helps prevent or slow progression.
- Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Control: Keeping these within recommended levels reduces stress on blood vessels, including those in the eyes.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Diet, exercise, and not smoking can all help reduce risks.
Addressing eye health proactively is essential for those with diabetes to maintain good vision and prevent complications.
Dr. Karl Ojaimi conducts eye checks for diabetic complications in his clinics in Zalka, Baabda, and Antelias. Regular screenings with him can help in the early detection and management of conditions like diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma, reducing the risk of vision loss.