For those managing diabetes, health complications are always a concern, including heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and nerve damage, especially in the feet. Among these concerns are complications with vision, and doctors emphasize the need for education and early diagnosis for those who are at risk.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause damage in the eyes leading to diabetic retinopathy. Often there are few or no symptoms of this complication, yet diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults 40 and older. In fact, adults of any age with diabetes are at significantly greater risk of blindness than people who do not have diabetes – as much as 25 times greater. The good news is that at least 90% of the vision loss diabetes can cause can be prevented simply be getting treatment early. The key is awareness.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetes is a condition in which there is too much sugar in the blood. Over time, elevated sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye. In early stage (nonproliferative) diabetic retinopathy, the blood vessels weaken and begin to leak, allowing fluid to build up in the center of the eye. Immediate treatment is needed to prevent vision loss.
Once advanced to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, leaking blood vessels become blocked, and scar tissue begins to form as abnormal blood vessels replace the damaged ones. Ultimately, these weak blood vessels leak blood into the center of the eye and the scar tissue can cause the retina to detach. Pressure builds as fluid cannot drain from the eye, leading to glaucoma and blindness.
What you can do
Symptoms of early stage diabetic retinopathy may be minimal if they present at all, so it is critical for those with diabetes to act on even a minor vision issue. These include:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- An “empty” spot in your vision
- Floaters, or stringy spots that seem to pass through your vision
- Any unexplained vision loss
Whether you experience these symptoms or not, regular eye exams are critical for those managing diabetes to ensure complications are caught early, when they are treatable and may be managed long term.
Managing your diabetes, with careful monitoring of blood sugar levels, as well as blood pressure and cholesterol, also is your best way to avoid all related health complications, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and even cataracts. Having diabetes a long time can mean you are more vulnerable, but there are several things you can do to keep your risk as low as possible.
- Consistently monitor your blood sugar level, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and talk to your doctor about appropriate medications to maintain healthy numbers.
- Choose a healthy diet and talk to your doctor about an exercise program that is right for you.
- Learn the facts about the glycosylated hemoglobin test and what your A1C goal should be.
- Avoid tobacco use or talk to your doctor about getting the help you need to quit.
- See an eye doctor annually even if you have no vision problems.
Vision complications cannot always be prevented for those who are struggling with diabetes, but early diagnosis and treatment can mean avoiding more serious vision issues. If you have questions about your eye health and how managing your diabetes may reduce your risk of vision loss, contact the physicians at Stark Women’s Center to schedule a consultation.