DIABETES AND THE EYE

Diabetes is a disease that effects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin effectively to control blood sugar (Glucose). Prolonged high levels of Glucose in the blood can lead to a host of health problems. Diabetes may damage the heart, kidney’s and both the larger blood vessels in the body and the very small, fragile vessels in the eyes. Overtime, diabetes can cause damage to your retina and may lead to poor vision and even blindness. ‘Diabetic Eye Disease’ is the umbrella term used for several eye problems that can result from diabetes. The most serious diabetic eye disease begin with blood vessel problems, the four that can threaten your sight are; diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts and some types of Glaucoma. In diabetic retinopathy, the blood vessels in the retina leak, swell and in some cases close off altogether. Abnormal new blood vessels can also grow on the surface of the retina. Diabetic macular edema is the term used to describe a buildup of fluid on the retina, which leads to swelling and blurry vision and can lead to permanent vision loss. Excessive blood sugar levels may also result in cataracts, which can require cataract surgery. Having diabetes also doubles your chances of developing Glaucoma, this is a condition in which buildup of intraocular pressure leads to damage to the Optic nerve and subsequently irreversible vison loss. High blood sugar can also cause blurred vision, even in the absence of diabetic retinopathy. If blood sugar levels change rapidly it can effect the eye’s lens and cause blurry vision. This change is often temporary and vison returns to normal once blood sugar is stabilized. It is, therefore, very important to make sure your blood sugar is stable before having your eyes tested to ensure you receive the correct prescription. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that ninety percent of vision loss from diabetes can be prevented through early detection. For people with diabetes, it is important that they have annual eye exam’s, even in the absence of vision loss. Studies have shown that sixty percent of those living with diabetes are not getting the exam’s as recommended by their eye doctor. To prevent eye damage from diabetes, it is very important to maintain good control of your blood sugar, follow your General Practitioner’s advice on diet and exercise and most importantly have regular eye exam’s.