The Eye & Diabetes
Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially blinding complication of diabetes affecting over half of Americans diagnosed with the disease. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels in diabetic patients lead to an increased risk for diabetic retinopathy. As a result of the body’s inability to use and store sugars, the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina are affected. Damage to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back portion of the eye that transmits visual images to the brain, can result in severe loss of vision and ultimately blindness.
Early stage diabetic retinopathy is characterized by damaged blood vessels that allow leakage into the retina. Though patients may not notice a change in vision, the leakage could potentially be causing permanent damage to the retina. There are different stages of diabetic retinopathy. If detected at an early stage, retinal changes from diabetic retinopathy can be reversed with better sugar control. Once diabetic retinopathy gets to an advanced stage, known proliferative retinopathy, ocular treatment is required to avoid permanent vision loss.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes, or have a family history of the disease, should have their eyes examined on a regular basis. Diabetic retinopathy can be detected during a comprehensive eye examination. The health of the retina is checked with a special instruments. If any signs of diabetic retinopathy are detected, additional tests might be needed to assess the stage of the disease and determine treatment.
Some of the signs and symptoms of proliferative disease include blurred vision and/or sudden painless vision loss. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy also puts patients at higher risk for strokes in their eye and secondary glaucoma. The treatment of diabetic retinopathy depends on the severity of the disease but might include laser treatments, intraocular injections and even surgery. We recommend diabetic patients get a comprehensive eye exam at least twice a year to ensure prompt and adequate treatment of any diabetic changes in the eye.
Indirect Ophthalmoscopy
FAQ
Does my blood sugar control matter?
Better blood sugar control can prevent diabetic retinopathy and blindness. Making even small changes in your diet and exercise routine can make large difference.
My blood sugar is under control, do I need an exam?
Changes in the eye can still occur when the blood sugar is under control. It is still important to have your eyes checked.
How else can diabetes affect my eye?
Vision can become blurry when the blood sugar changes. This is caused by swelling of the natural lens when the blood sugar increases. Also, development of cataracts and glaucoma occur more frequently with diabetes.