Severe or untreated diabetes can cause low vision or even blindness, so people who are diabetic must schedule annual comprehensive eye exams with dilation.
Diabetes Is Increasing in the United States
About 38 million people in the United States have diabetes, and 98 million are prediabetic. Poor diet, obesity and lack of exercise are major risk factors for type 2 diabetes, the type which affects 90 to 95 percent of Americans.
Diabetes can contribute to a variety of medical conditions, including retinal damage and vision loss. Over time, high blood sugar can weaken blood vessels in the eyes and affect the clarity of the lens.
Diabetes Can Cause Diabetic Retinopathy
Long-term diabetes can damage the retina, the part of the eye that receives images focused by the lens and transmits them to the brain. Nearly half of Americans with diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy, a chronic condition that damages the blood vessels in the eyes.
In its early stage, diabetic retinopathy typically shows no signs, but it can later lead to blurred eyesight, floaters and vision loss. Other symptoms may include difficulty reading, eye pressure and difficulty with distinguishing colors.
Factors that can increase the likelihood of diabetic retinopathy include the following:
- Unregulated blood sugar
- Hypertension
- Kidney disease
- High cholesterol
- Pregnancy
- Being of African American, Native American or Hispanic descent
Not all people with diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy or vision loss. For those who do develop the disease, patients have treatment options, including injections, lasers and surgical treatments.
“Losing sight from diabetes-related eye disease is not a foregone conclusion,” said J. Michael Jumper, MD, president of the American Society of Retina Specialists, in Medical Xpress. “There is hope, including advances in early detection and treatment spearheaded by retina specialists that can help people with diabetes enjoy healthy vision for a lifetime.”
Diabetic Retinopathy Affects the Eyes in Stages
Following are the two general stages of diabetic retinopathy:
- Early stage (non-proliferative) — In this stage, blood vessels in the retina begin to bulge and form small pouches. If fluid begins to leak, it can cause swelling in an area of the retina called the macula. This condition, macular edema, affects about half of people with diabetic retinopathy and it is the most common cause of vision loss in those who have the disease.
- Advanced stage (proliferative) — Over time, the retina may begin to grow abnormal, tiny blood vessels that can bleed easily. Minor bleeding may only cause small dark spots in your visual field, but excess bleeding can cause vision loss. The abnormal new vessels can cause traction on the retina, leading to retinal detachments.
Diabetes Increases the Likelihood of Cataracts and Glaucoma
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss and blindness in people with diabetes. However, diabetes can make people more prone to develop other eye conditions and vision problems.
Cataracts
Most people develop cataracts because of aging and environmental factors, but people with diabetes can develop cataracts more rapidly. High blood sugar can create deposits on the eye lenses and make them cloudy.
The good news is that surgery can safely and effectively treat cataracts. Cataract surgery is typically an outpatient operation conducted at an ambulatory surgical center. A doctor will extract the cataract and insert a transparent artificial lens, typically completing the entire operation in around 15 minutes or less.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to a family of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and potentially cause permanent vision loss. Many types of glaucoma do not have symptoms in the initial stages, which is why experts call it the “sneak thief of sight.”
Having diabetes doubles the risk for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), the most common form of the disease. Open-angle glaucoma forms when drainage canals in the eyes become clogged. Excess fluid in the eye increases inner eye pressure, which damages the optic nerve.
Diabetes can also cause neovascular glaucoma, when abnormal blood vessels form on the iris and block fluid from draining from the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is usually responsible for this condition. Obstructed fluid from the damaged blood vessels can increase intraocular pressure and damage the optic nerve, leading to severe vision loss (CDC).
There is no cure for glaucoma, and you cannot prevent it. The best way to prevent vision loss is an annual comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist.
February Is Low Vision Awareness Month
Besides diabetes, other long-term health conditions can contribute to other eye complications. Some of these include liver disease, autoimmune conditions, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid conditions and rheumatologic diseases.
February is Low Vision Awareness Month. Countless individuals in the United States face low vision, a type of eyesight issue uncorrectable by glasses, medication or surgery. Low vision makes daily activities like reading, cooking and housework challenging.
Here are some ways you can reduce your risk of low vision and vision loss:
- Visit your primary care physician regularly.
- Schedule annual comprehensive eye exams.
- Manage your blood sugar levels.
- Manage your high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
- Quit smoking.
Comprehensive Eye Exams with Dilation Can Prevent Vision Loss
A diabetes diagnosis does not mean you will develop diabetic retinopathy, cataracts or glaucoma. With the help of a primary care physician and a board-certified ophthalmologist, you can protect your eyesight.
“Diabetes can silently damage a person’s most precious sense, their sight, before symptoms even appear. That’s why everyone with diabetes should focus on their eyesight and receive regular dilated eye exams,” said Dr. Jumper in Medical Xpress.
Regular visits to the eye doctor are important for everyone but especially those who have diabetes or chronic health conditions that can cause eye diseases. You cannot rely on symptoms to indicate whether you have a developing condition. Many eye diseases and vision conditions do not cause eye pain or warning signs, but they can still permanently affect your eyesight. Early detection and prompt treatment can prevent or delay eye disease.
A comprehensive eye exam with dilation is more than just an eye screening, because it allows your eye doctor to test your vision and evaluate your eye health. Using pupil dilation, your doctor can look at the back of the eye and see the retina and optic nerve. Annual exams help detect and diagnose problems early when they are most treatable.
Commit to Healthy Vision and Make Eye Appointments for Your Family
How long has it been since you and your family visited the eye doctor? You may be surprised to see how much time has passed since your last exam.
If you have diabetes or if diabetes runs in your family, you must be vigilant in staying current with your eye exams. Our board-certified ophthalmologists are accepting new patients and are equipped to meet your unique health needs. Find a location near you to schedule an appointment.