Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body processes glucose, a type of sugar that is a primary source of energy for your body.
When you have diabetes, your body is either unable to produce enough insulin or unable to use insulin effectively. As a result, the glucose in your blood is not properly converted into energy, leading to high blood sugar levels.
While it’s well-known that diabetes can affect various parts of your body, including your heart, kidneys, and nerves, many people don’t realize that it can also affect your vision. In fact, diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in the United States.
Here’s how diabetes can affect your vision and what you can do about it.
Diabetic Eye Diseases
Diabetes can affect the blood vessels in your eyes, causing a range of eye problems known as “diabetic eye disease.” The four primary types of diabetic eye disease include:.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, the part of the eye that senses light.
Over time, the damage can cause the blood vessels to leak or become blocked, leading to vision loss. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include blurred or distorted vision, patchy or missing vision, and dark spots in your vision. In some cases, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms at all.
Diabetic Macular Edema
Diabetic macular edema is a type of diabetic retinopathy that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision.
When the macula becomes swollen due to fluid leaking from damaged blood vessels, it can cause blurry or distorted vision and can even lead to blindness.
Diabetic Cataracts
Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the lens of the eye, causing blurry vision. People with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing cataracts at an earlier age than people without diabetes.
Diabetic cataracts can also progress more rapidly and can be more difficult to remove compared to cataracts in people without diabetes.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual signals from the eye to the brain.
People with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing a type of glaucoma called “open-angle glaucoma,” which is typically painless and can cause vision loss over time if left untreated.
Preventing Diabetic Eye Diseases
While diabetes can increase your risk of developing eye problems, there are steps you can take to prevent diabetic eye diseases.
Control Your Blood Sugar
One of the most important things you can do to prevent diabetic eye diseases is to keep your blood sugar levels under control.
This can help reduce the risk of damage to the blood vessels in your eyes that can lead to diabetic retinopathy and other eye problems. Work with your doctor to develop a plan for managing your blood sugar levels.
Manage Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
High blood pressure and high cholesterol can also increase your risk of developing diabetic eye diseases. Work with your doctor to monitor and manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Get Regular Eye Exams
It’s important to see an eye doctor regularly, especially if you have diabetes. Regular eye exams can help identify any eye problems early, when they are easier to treat.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can also increase your risk of developing diabetic eye diseases. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit.
Conclusion
Diabetes can affect various parts of your body, including your eyes. Diabetic eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, diabetic cataracts, and glaucoma can cause vision loss or blindness if left untreated.
While there is no cure for diabetic eye diseases, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of developing them.
