5 Things Diabetes Patients Need To Do To Prevent Eye Damage

Diabetes is more than just a single health problem; it is a chronic condition that affects various parts of the body, including the eyes. Diabetes causes high blood sugar levels in the body that lead to short-term issues, such as extreme hunger and thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, and mood changes. In more serious cases, elevated blood sugar levels can cause damage to blood vessels in the heart, kidneys, and nerves. In some people, uncontrolled diabetes can affect the eyes, making it crucial to pay attention to lesser-known symptoms like blurred vision.

Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Priyamvada Bhasin, Medical Director and Specialist Comprehensive Ophthalmology, Squint and Vitreo-Retinal Specialist, Ratan Jyoti Netralaya, Gwalior, sheds light on the link between diabetes and eye health and shares tips to prevent eye damage in people with diabetes.

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How Diabetes Affects Eye Health?

“Diabetes primarily affects the eyes by damaging the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause these vessels to weaken, leak, or become blocked, reducing oxygen supply to the retina,” explains Dr Bhasin. This can result in other eye problems, including:

• Diabetic Macular Oedema (DME): Swelling in the central part of the retina (macula), leading to blurred vision.
• Cataracts: Diabetes increases the risk of cataracts, causing clouding of the eye’s lens and leading to impaired vision.
• Glaucoma: Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss.

Surprisingly, an estimated 10.312 crore adults had diabetic retinopathy (DR) in 2020, and this number is projected to rise to 160.50 million by 2045, according to a 2021 study published in the journal Ophthalmology.

Early Warning Signs Of Eye Damage In Diabetes Patients

Dr Bhasin suggests that diabetes-related eye problems often develop gradually, and symptoms may not appear until the condition has progressed. However, some early warning signs include:

• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Dark spots or floaters in the field of vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses
• Fading or dull colours
• Pain or pressure in the eyes (possible sign of glaucoma)

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek an eye examination immediately, as early intervention can prevent further damage.

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How Often Should Diabetes Patients Get Their Eyes Checked?

Regular eye check-ups are crucial for people with diabetes, as early detection of complications can significantly improve outcomes.

The recommended frequency of eye exams is:

• Type 1 Diabetes: A comprehensive eye exam within 5 years of diagnosis and then annually.
• Type 2 Diabetes: A detailed eye exam at the time of diagnosis and then at least once a year.
• Pregnant women with diabetes: Eye exams before conception, during pregnancy, and after delivery, as pregnancy can worsen diabetic retinopathy.

However, some people with diabetic retinopathy may need a comprehensive dilated eye exam as often as every 2-4 months, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI).

Tips To Prevent Eye Damage Due To Diabetes

If you have diabetes, it is important to effectively protect your eye health with some crucial lifestyle changes. These include:

• Keeping blood glucose levels within the target range reduces the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
• Managing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels that can worsen diabetic eye complications.
• Regular exercise to improve blood circulation, reducing the risk of blood vessel damage in the eyes.
• Consuming nutrient-rich foods that support eye health
• Quitting smoking to reduce the risk of diabetes complications, including eye problems.
• Wearing sunglasses to shield the eyes from Ultraviolet (UV) rays and reducing screen time.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can affect multiple organs, including the eyes. While managing blood sugar levels in the body is key to avoiding serious complications, it is also crucial to get regular eye checkups, more so if you already have pre-existing eye conditions. Consult a doctor and also an ophthalmologist to know more about your health in detail. Address any symptoms such as blurry vision, eye pain, and dark spots in the vision, particularly if you have diabetes.