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Nov 28, 2016 12:00 AM Author: Moran Eye Center Diabetic eye disease is actually a group of complications associated with diabetes. They include diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma. All of them can cause
serious vision loss or even blindness. Even worse—these conditions sneak up and can catch you off guard. But, early detection, timely treatment, and careful follow-up care may prevent vision loss. Akbar Shakoor, MD, a specialist at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, talks about these conditions and shares his “watch list” for all diabetic patients. How Does Diabetes Cause Vision Loss?Uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the retina, the part of your eye that converts light into electrical signals that allow us to see. Damage to these delicate blood vessels can lead to swelling of the macula, the central part of your retina that allows us to see detail. Diabetic retinal damage can also lead to bleeding in the eye, scarring, high eye pressure (glaucoma) and even retinal detachment. Diabetic retinopathy or diabetic retinal damage is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. How Can I Prevent Vision Loss From Diabetes?Control Your Blood SugarKeep your blood sugar in the target range by eating a diet low in sugar and other simple carbohydrates, exercising regularly, and checking your blood sugar often. Make sure to work with your primary care physician, an endocrinologist, and perhaps even a nutritionist. Reliably take insulin or other medications as prescribed by your physician. Maintain a Healthy DietCook at home using fresh ingredients. Avoid excessive consumption of red meat, and eat your vegetables! Avoid fried foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugary beverages Control Your Blood PressureControlling your blood pressure may protect your eyes from diabetic retinopathy. Get an Annual Dilated Eye ExamVisit an ophthalmologist or optometrist yearly, or more often if needed. Early detection and treatment can save you from irreversible vision loss. If you have vision problems such as ‘floaters’ in your vision or blurry vision, see an ophthalmologist immediately. What Can Be Done for Me if I Have Eye Damage From Diabetes?Your ophthalmologist can perform laser procedures to stop progression of the disease and reduce swelling. Medications may also be injected straight into the eye to help reduce swelling. Surgery is a later resort to clear out blood and remove scar tissue that may be causing the retina to swell or detach. November is Diabetes Awareness Month. vision diabetes blindness comments powered by Disqus Did you know that if you have diabetes you’re at greater risk for eye problems that can lead to vision loss? In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults ages 20-74. An annual eye exam can lead to the early detection and treatment of diabetes, and also any serious vision-related complications caused by the disease, including:
The Railroad Employees National Vision Plan provides you and your covered dependents an annual routine eye examination at no cost when you use an in-network provider. So if you haven’t already, and regardless if you have diabetes or not, schedule your annual eye exam today. Visit the EyeMed Railroad member site more information about your coverage and to find an in-network provider your area. Looking for more information about diabetes and eye care? Visit the following sources:
Information sourced from the American Diabetes Association. The material contained in this article has been selected to provide general background and useful information regarding diabetes and your eyes. It is not designed to replace either medical advice or medical treatment. You should discuss the information, facts and tips with your doctor. Go to Top Is type 2 diabetes the leading cause of blindness?Diabetes-related retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in American adults and it affects over one in four of those living with diabetes, while 4% have severe cases of retinopathy. Diabetes-related macular edema is a swelling that can occur with retinopathy.
What eye disease is the leading cause of blindness?Cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens and is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. Cataracts can occur at any age because of a variety of causes, and can be present at birth.
What is the leading cause of new onset blindness in diabetic patients?Diabetic Retinopathy — This is the most common eye complication in diabetic patients and the leading cause of blindness. There are very slight and often unnoticeable symptoms of retinopathy. But there is good news: it may be treatable by laser surgery once detected.
Why does diabetes cause glaucoma?The bottom line
Diabetic retinopathy, which is a complication of diabetes, can result in damage to the blood vessels in your retina. This can cause abnormal blood vessels to grow in your eye, which can block your eye's natural drainage system and eventually lead to glaucoma.
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