Diabetes is a common cause of vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. In fact, diabetics are 40% more likely to develop glaucoma and 60% more likely to develop cataracts.
If left uncontrolled, vision loss due to diabetes is irreversible. However, several studies indicate that early detection and treatment can reduce the risk of blindness by 95%. In this article, with the help of specialists from Clínica Nivaria , we share seven facts about diabetes-related vision loss that you should know:
1. Diabetes damages the retina
When light passes through the eye, it strikes a layer of tissue called the retina. The cells here are sensitive to light and transmit it to the optic nerve. The retina has tiny blood vessels that can be damaged by chronically high blood sugar levels or high blood pressure. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when these vessels begin to leak or bleed, distorting vision. There are four stages of this condition:
- Mild non-proliferative retinopathy: microaneurysms in the retina cause fluid to leak from small vessels.
- Moderate non-proliferative retinopathy: inflammation and distortion of the blood vessels of the retina, which can disrupt blood flow to the retina.
- Severe non-proliferative retinopathy: many blood vessels are blocked, depriving the retina of blood and triggering the release of growth factors.
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy: New blood vessels grow along the inside of the retina and within the fluid inside the eye; these are more prone to leaking, and scar tissue can form, causing the retina to detach from the underlying eye tissue. This can lead to permanent vision loss.
There are usually no symptoms during the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, and it is one of the most common causes of vision loss from diabetes.
2. Diabetes causes blurred vision
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a buildup of fluid in the macula, the part of the eye responsible for straight-on vision. It occurs in about half of all people with diabetic retinopathy at any stage of the condition. Blurred vision is the main symptom.
3. Diabetic retinopathy and DME can be easily detected
These diabetic eye problems can be detected during a routine eye exam. One of our ophthalmologists will perform a dilated eye exam, assessing visual acuity to measure distance vision and tonometry to measure the internal pressure of the eye. By dilating the pupils, our specialist can visually examine the retina and other structures within the eye. They can identify changes in blood vessels, leaking vessels or fatty deposits, macular swelling, and nerve tissue damage.
4. Diabetic retinopathy is treatable
If someone is diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, there are treatments available at our Ophthalmology Center located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife to help prevent blindness, including:
- Photocoagulation: a laser is used to burn and seal blood vessels to prevent blood from escaping and the vessels from growing.
- Scatter photocoagulation: An eye care professional focuses a laser on a pattern of moles. Thousands of tiny burns are made over two or more treatments to shrink abnormal blood vessels.
- Focal photocoagulation: A laser is aimed at the macula to treat leaking blood vessels. The procedure prevents blurred vision and other effects of macular edema from worsening.
- Vitrectomy: a surgical procedure to remove scar tissue and vitreous gel from inside the eye. It is used to treat severe bleeding, can restore vision, and is used to reattach the retina.
Therapies to treat EMD include:
- Anti-VEGF injection therapy: This targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes blood vessel growth. This treatment can reverse abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce retinal fluid.
- Corticosteroids: Injecting or implanting corticosteroids in the eye can suppress DME, but may increase the risk of glaucoma and cataracts.
- Macular laser surgery: Focusing a laser on the center of the macula can slow fluid leakage, reduce retinal inflammation, and complement anti-VEGF therapy.
5. The longer you have diabetes, the greater the risk
The longer a person has diabetes, the greater their risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. With type 1 diabetes, the chances are low unless they have been diabetic for five years or more. They are less likely to develop retinopathy if their blood sugar is controlled with insulin. Type 2 diabetes can cause eye problems earlier, but these can be slowed by controlling sugar intake, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
6. Diabetics have a higher risk of glaucoma
A buildup of pressure inside the eye, glaucoma is a group of diseases. Secondary glaucoma is a common eye problem associated with diabetes and includes a severe form called neovascular glaucoma. About one-third of these cases involve people with diabetes. Pressure in the eye builds up in the anterior chamber, affecting the flow of fluid into and out of this chamber. In open-angle glaucoma, the fluid drains too slowly, and the resulting pressure can damage the optic nerve.
Warning signs of glaucoma include eye pain, halos around lights, watery eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. An eye exam will detect the disease at any stage. Glaucoma is often treated and controlled with special eye drops.
7. Diabetic eye problems can be prevented
If conditions like diabetic retinopathy are detected early, they can be treated. An annual dilated eye exam will detect signs of the condition, even if there are no symptoms. Research has shown that managing diabetes slows the onset and progression of retinopathy, especially if blood glucose levels are well controlled.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with diabetes, it's crucial that the condition be monitored to help prevent eye problems. Contact us and schedule an appointment with one of our professionals. You'll receive the best eye care in the Canary Islands! Book your appointment today by calling us at 822 027 777. We'd be delighted to see you at our Ophthalmology Clinic in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
