Unmanaged diabetes can have a negative impact on body parts such as the heart, kidneys and eyes. Diabetics are at a higher risk of suffering from eye disorders than those without the condition. Ailments linked to diabetes include diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataract.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a term used for all diabetes-induced disorders of the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye. High glucose levels over an extended period lead to weakened eye capillaries that cause progressive retina damage. Diabetic retinopathy can be sight threatening if left untreated.
Symptoms: Major symptoms include spots in your field of vision, blurred vision, an empty spot in the centre of your vision and difficulty seeing well at night.
Treatment: While early stages may not need treatment, advanced retinopathy may need to be treated with laser or by injecting medicine into the eye.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the result of fluid retention in the eye due to impaired draining, leading to excess eye pressure. This can damage nerves and blood vessels, impacting vision. Diabetics are twice as likely to develop glaucoma as non-diabetics are.
Symptoms: The symptoms of open-angle glaucoma are not apparent until the disease is at an advanced stage and there is significant vision loss. In angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms can include headaches, eye aches, blurred vision, watering eyes and loss of vision.
Treatment: Though the damage already caused can’t be reversed, further nerve damage can be inhibited through eye drops, pills, laser or surgery.
Cataract
Cataracts are cloudy lens opacifications caused by protein build-up. Diabetics are 60 per cent more at risk than non-diabetics.
Symptoms: Blurred or glared vision during challenging visual situations such as bright sunlight.
Treatment: The affected lens is surgically removed and replaced by an artificial one.
Keep disorders at bay
Reduce eye disorders caused by diabetes by keeping the condition in check. Follow a healthy diet and exercise plan after consulting your doctor. Monitor your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol.
— The author is Medical Advisor, Beat Diabetes, and Chief Medical Officer, iCare Clinics
