Diabetics and Vision Problems

Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and one of its often overlooked but serious complications is the impact it can have on vision. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can damage various parts of the body, including the eyes. Understanding the link between diabetics and vision problems, and taking proactive steps to protect your eye health, is necessary for managing the visual aspect of the disease. 

Diabetes primarily affects the eyes through damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that processes images. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can weaken these vessels, leading to several vision problems. The most common diabetic eye condition and leading cause of blindness in adults is diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels in the retina leak, swell or become blocked. In its early stages, it may cause little to no symptoms, but as it progresses, diabetes may experience blurred vision, dark spots or complete vision loss. Macular edema often follows diabetic retinopathy and materializes when fluid builds up in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. Macular edema can cause significant vision distortion and loss if left untreated. While cataracts typically develop due to natural aging, diabetics are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age. Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, leading to blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night and sensitivity to light; eventually cataracts will need to be removed and replaced with an intraocular lens. Diabetes can also increase the risk of glaucoma, a condition where the pressure inside the eye increases, damaging the optic nerve. Glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss takes place. 

Keeping blood sugar within the recommended range is the most important factor in effectively managing diabetes and subsequently preventing eye damage. High blood sugar levels over time weaken blood vessels in the retina, leading to complications. High blood pressure and cholesterol can worsen diabetic eye diseases as well so it’s important to keep those in check. Annual comprehensive eye exams are crucial for detecting diabetic eye diseases early. Speak with your eye doctor at Retina Consultants of Nevada to monitor your eye health and learn about treatments to prevent further damage. Smoking increases the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and other vision problems. Quit smoking to protect your eyes and overall health. Incorporating a balanced diet and regular exercise also supports overall eye health and keeps levels regulated. 
Having the retina checked will uncover any underlying diabetic eye diseases early, conditions like diabetic retinopathy and macular edema that can develop without noticeable symptoms. Regular retinal exams allow eye care professionals to identify changes in the blood vessels, enabling timely intervention to prevent vision loss. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, take charge of your eye health today. Contact Retina Consultants of Nevada at 702-369-0200 or WEBSITE.