Understanding the Affect of Diabetes on the Eyes
People with diabetes are more susceptible to problems of the eyes, specifically retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. Statistics show that diabetics are four times more likely to become blind than those not suffering from the disease.1 In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults aged 20 to 74 years; however, actively managing your disease by closely monitoring any changes in your eyesight can greatly decrease your chances of vision loss. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetics who develop eye problems are often able to keep them minor, and, if a major problem does occur, treatment is often available.
MedlinePlus explains that because diabetes weakens the body’s blood vessels and because the blood vessels of the eyes are so small, they are much more prone to leaking, bursting, or becoming blocked as time progresses.
In short, diabetes directly affects four parts of your eyes. They include 1) the retina or the lining at the back of the eye used to sense light coming in; 2) the vitreous or jelly–like fluid that fills the back of the eye; 3) the lens at the front of the eye which focuses light on the retina; and 4) the optic nerve or the eye’s main nerve to the brain.
The following conditions can develop from damage to one or more of the above portions of the eye:
Retinopathy. The most common and most serious diabetes–related eye problem, Diabetic Retinopathy, or disease of the retina, occurs when the tiny blood vessels of the eyes swell and weaken. As problems worsen, the weakened blood vessels might become clogged which, in turn, does not allow blood to pass efficiently. Or the vessels may break easily, leaking blood in to the vitreous of the eye and keeping light from reaching the retina. Retinopathy that is not addressed can lead to severe vision problems, the worst being the loss of sight. According to NIKKD, the following signs may indicate retina damage:
- blurry or double vision
- rings, flashing lights, or blank spots
- dark or floating spots
- pain or pressure in one or both of your eyes
- trouble seeing things out of the corners of your eyes
If you are having vision problems or have noticed a sudden change in your vision, it is imperative that you call your eye care professional right away to avoid further damage.
Glaucoma Glaucoma is a condition that results from pressure building up in the eye. Constant pressure over long periods of time can cause damage to the optic nerve. This type of damage first causes you to lose your peripheral sight or the ability to see from the sides of your eyes.
However, treating glaucoma can be a simple process. Your doctor may prescribe a daily eye drop or he may suggest laser surgery to relieve the pressure building up in the eye.
Cataracts. A cataract is a cloud that settles over the lens of the eye. This cloud interferes with the usually clear lens’ ability to focus light to the retina, making everything you look at cloudy or hazy. Minor surgery is the only way to correct cataracts. In this surgery, doctors remove your lens and replace it with a plastic lens that allows for clear vision again.