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5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect the Eyes
A common knowledge about diabetes is the high sugar level and how the pancreas produces little to no insulin. But did you know that it has an impact on the eyes? Diabetes and eyesight relate more closely to one another than you thought. From blurry vision to blood vessel damage, the eyes are at risk if preventive measures aren’t considered.
Maintaining healthy eyesight is always a priority. So read on to understand how diabetes can affect the eyes and prevent it from destroying your vision.Â
Can Diabetes Impact the Eyes?
The simple answer is yes. Diabetes happens when it’s difficult for the body to process food as energy. Insulin is basically a stranger to the body as it doesn’t respond to it. This abundance of glucose in the bloodstream can damage the blood vessels and nerves, thus affecting the eyes.
Why does it happen? When the body can’t manage glucose over time, blood vessels around the retina weaken. If left untreated and undetected, blindness due to diabetes can be a more severe consequence when the blood vessels rupture.
Ways Diabetes Can Affect the Eyes
Now that it’s clear how this metabolic disease creates eye-related complications, it’s easier to explore how it can impact vision. Below are the diabetic eye problems one may encounter.Â
Cataracts
A cataract is a cloud in the internal eye lens that impairs the ability to see. People with diabetes can have cataracts earlier and get worse faster due to the increase in blood sugar. Experiencing blurry vision, glare, light sensitivity, faded colors, or halos are symptoms.Â
Glaucoma
Diabetes causes neovascular glaucoma, one form of glaucoma. A high sugar level damages the retina’s blood vessels, creating abnormal new ones. When they grow on the colored part of the eye, they can impair the optic nerve due to the high pressure. Some symptoms include tunnel vision, halo effect, eye redness, nausea, and vomiting.Â
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy symptoms don’t show immediately at the start of its development. Thus, making it particularly dangerous. But over time, people encounter spots or floaters, blurred and fluctuating vision, or dark/empty areas.Â
Macular Edema
Macular edema and diabetic retinopathy closely relate to one another. The retina’s center is the macula, responsible for sharp, clear vision. Leaky blood vessels from diabetes can cause them to swell and thicken, distorting eyesight. Thus, observe if you have a wavy vision and color change symptoms as they are signs of macular edema.Â
Swelling of the Eye Lens (Blurry Vision)
A person with diabetes experiences rapid changes in their blood sugar, from low to normal, which can affect the eye lens and cause blurry vision. However, this is only temporary, as vision clears after it stabilizes. Thus, when buying new glasses, ensure controlled blood sugar for an accurate prescription.Â
Prevention and Treatment
There’s no better way to prevent diabetes-related eye problems than managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Furthermore, you lessen diabetes’ impact on the eyes by stopping smoking, as it further damages the blood vessels. Lastly, wearing sunglasses protects your eyes from harmful rays and combats the progression of cataracts.Â
Preserving your vision for as long as possible should be a priority. With proper care, managing symptoms of diabetes-induced eye-related conditions is easier. Thus, to enjoy long-term vision health, get a comprehensive eye checkup at least once a year for early diagnosis and prevention of eye diseases.
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