Living with diabetes is not only frequent urination and frequent infections, it can affect every major organ of the body, like nerves, heart, liver, brai,n and eyes along with kidneys and immune system. One of the lesser-known complications of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy and raising awareness about the condition is crucial to prevent serious vision-threatening problems in people suffering from diabetes.
Diabetes causes multiple problems in the eyes :
Diabetic Retinopathy is the condition where the small blood vessels in the retina of the eye get affected due to high blood sugar levels in the body. Retina is the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It works like the film in a camera. Persistently elevated blood sugar levels in the eye cause the small blood vessels in the retina to swell, leak or even close, resulting in vision problems.
There are two main stages of diabetic retinopathy:
Diabetic retinopathy may not cause any noticeable symptoms in the early stages and therefore, frequent periodic retina check-ups are very crucial to detect problems. In some cases, the disease may silently progress to advanced stages, where urgent treatment becomes indispensable to prevent severe vision loss.
Few of the symptoms some patients experience in the early stages include :
No, unfortunately, diabetic retinopathy may not be fully reversed once damage occurs. However, there are modern treatment options that can stop or delay the progression of the condition.
It is important to note that the treatment options available do not cure the condition, but delay or stop the progression of the condition to prevent further vision loss and recover most of it.
Yes, the blurring caused due to diabetes can be partially or fully corrected with appropriate treatments depending on the cause of the problem.
A temporary or fluctuating blurring of vision can be causes due to dry eyes or transient change in the refractive power of the eye. Correction of abnormal blood sugar levels may correct temporary blindness.
A change of glasses may help if the refractive error has changed permanently or an early cataract has developed.
Significant cataract needs to be operated along with lens implantation.
Medical procedures like laser and surgical procedures like laser or vitrectomy are required if diabetic retinopathy is the cause of vision blurring.
Not everyone with Diabetes goes blind. The risk depend on
Diabetic retinopathy well illustrates the importance of the quote - ‘Prevention is better than cure’.
Visibility of veins in the eye is generally harmless and is usually caused by tiredness, excess eye fatigue, allergies and/or dryness of eyes.
However, if you notice:
It may suggest an underlying condition like diabetic retinopathy that needs evaluation by an eye specialist.
Diabetic retinopathy is treatable if caught early. Prevention is better than cure. Early signs and symptoms like mild blurring of vision should not be ignored and regular eye checkups are mandatory if you have diabetes. While the condition can't be reversed, timely treatment and healthy lifestyle habits can help you preserve your sight.
Early Detection Saves Vision – Schedule Your Retinal Exam Now!
