The Connection Between Diabetes & Eye Health

The Connection Between Diabetes & Eye Health

Diabetes is a chronic health condition affecting millions worldwide. While it’s commonly known for its impact on blood sugar levels and overall health, its connection to eye health is often overlooked. However, diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness in ages 18 to 74. High blood sugar levels due to diabetes can lead to several severe vision issues, including blurry vision, retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. In honor of November being Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, Pegalis Law Group, LLC examines the connection between diabetes and eye health, highlighting symptoms, risks, and preventive measures you can take to create public awareness and proactive patients.

How Diabetes Affects Eye Health: Common Conditions

Diabetes can lead to several eye-related complications, especially when blood sugar levels remain consistently high. People with diabetes may be at a higher risk for developing these common conditions:

• Diabetic Retinopathy – This is the most common diabetes-related eye disease and a leading cause of adult blindness if not treated early. High blood sugar levels can damage the retina’s blood vessels over time, causing them to swell, leak, or close off completely. Abnormal new blood vessels can also grow on the retina’s surface.
• Glaucoma – Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve over time, often due to high intraocular pressure. This condition may result in gradual vision loss. Treatments may include medications, special eye drops, surgery, and laser treatments to help lower eye pressure. The sooner glaucoma is caught during an annual eye exam, the better the outcome.
• Cataracts – Cataracts are a condition in which the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or impaired vision. While this condition can occur in anyone as they age, people with diabetes tend to develop cataracts at a younger age and faster than those without diabetes. Surgery can correct a cataract, with your doctor replacing your “cloudy” lens with an artificial one.
• Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) – This condition is a consequence of diabetic retinopathy. It involves fluid accumulation in the macula (the part of the retina responsible for sharp or central vision). If not treated promptly, DME can lead to partial vision loss or blindness. It’s often treated using intravitreal or steroid injections, eye drops, and laser treatments.

Symptoms to Watch for & When to Call Your Doctor

Early detection is essential to preventing severe vision loss or blindness. Individuals with diabetes should pay attention to the following symptoms and consult their doctor if they notice sudden vision changes:

• Blurred or double vision
• Eye pain or pressure
• Frequent headaches
• Floaters or dark spots in your vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Halos around lights
• “Holes” in your vision
• Watery eyes
• Vision loss

Diagnosing diabetic eye issues can be challenging, as early or mild stages may not present symptoms until the damage to your retina is severe. However, early diagnosis and treatment can greatly lower the risk of blindness.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Diabetic Eye Issues

Diabetes-related eye conditions can be severe, but they’re often preventable or manageable. Annual dilated eye exams can help eye care professionals detect changes in the retina before symptoms arise. Maintaining controlled blood sugar levels is crucial to reducing the risk of eye complications from diabetes. Regular monitoring, taking medications as prescribed, and paying attention to your diet can help keep blood sugar levels in check and slow or prevent complications. High blood pressure and cholesterol can also worsen eye conditions in people with diabetes, so be sure to monitor and manage these factors. A balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, and omega-3 fatty acids, along with regular exercise, can help improve overall health and reduce risks of diabetic eye issues.

Stay Informed & Proactive About Your Healthcare

Understanding the connection between diabetes and eye health is vital in preventing severe vision impairment. Regular eye exams, blood sugar monitoring, and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent many diabetic-related eye conditions. As a New York-based personal injury and medical malpractice law firm with 50+ years of experience, Pegalis Law Group, LLC has made it a mission to ensure people stay informed and proactive about their health. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more healthcare-related insights this year and beyond.