EFFECTS OF DIABETES ON EYE

EFFECTS OF DIABETES ON EYE

According to the WHO Global Report On Diabetes published in 2016, an estimated 422 million adults around the world are suffering from Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes Mellitus, commonly referred to as Diabetes is a chronic disease in which either the pancreas do not produce enough insulin or the cells of the body cannot use the insulin effectively. The carbohydrates in the food are broken down to glucose which is used by the cells in the body for energy. The entry and utilization of glucose by the cells is regulated by insulin.

Since the cells cannot effectively use the glucose, the blood glucose levels rise. High levels of blood glucose can damage tiny blood vessels in the body, especially those in the heart, kidneys nervous system and the eyes.

Symptoms of Diabetes

• Feeling thirsty frequently
• The urge to urinate frequently
• Tiredness
• Blurring of vision

Effects of Diabetes on Vision

Diabetes, if left untreated results in damage to the retina, which is a thin layer on the back of the eye that sends signal to the brain for perception of vision. High blood sugar levels can induce blurred vision by causing swelling of the lens. diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma. Let us discuss each of them briefly below.

Blurred Vision

This may be caused due to fluctuations in blood sugar levels which affects the fluid content of the lens and cornea resulting in change in the refraction.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes damages the blood vessels present in retina causing diabetic retinopathy. The damaged blood vessels leak causing swelling of the retina, or get blocked leading to reduced oxygen supply to the retina, or cause bleeding inside the eye and retina. This is a serious condition and if not treated in time could ultimately cause blindness. Controlling diabetes is essential to the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. You may need LASER treatment or injection or surgery to treat retinopathy. Laser is painless, non-surgical treatment and can be done in the clinic .You can resume your daily activities immediately after LASER.

Cataract

Cataract is clouding of the lens of the eye which can reduce vision. People who are diabetic can develop cataract earlier in life and it may also progress faster than in non diabetics.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma can silently lead to blindness. It is more commonly seen in diabetics and only an eye examination can detect it. Most often, there are no symptoms and the damage starts from the peripheral field of vision which can go unrecognized by the patient. Regular eye examination is a MUST for a diabetic person.

Remedies

It is essential to keep the blood sugar levels under check. Regular physical activity is essential along with the medications to keep the blood sugar levels under control. Specific treatment for each of the complications of diabetes by specialists at the earliest is of utmost importance. Diabetic retinopathy if identified and treated early improves the chances of preserving good vision. Hence a routine checkup of the eyes with an eye specialist is advisable if you are a diabetic.

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Note

This content originally published by DRR Eyecare & Oculoplasty Hospital is one of the best eye hospitals in Chennai for eye care and Oculoplastic Treatment. DRR Eyecare & Oculoplasty Hospital is the best place for getting a prosthetic eye and to get treated by the best eye doctor in Chennai. Visit DRR Eye care & Oculoplasty Hospital for all your eye and oculoplasty related problems.