Maintaining good eye health is important for everyone, as lost vision cannot be replaced. It is especially important, however, in people with diabetes, as eye problems considered common among older individuals can occur much earlier in those with this disease. Ignoring vision problems can only lead to impaired vision and in some cases permanent loss of vision. Diabetics must be vigilant about their eye health and have yearly check-ups with an ophthamologist in order to avoid serious complications.
Diabetes and its Relationship to Eye Problems
Diabetes occurs when one has too much glucose, or sugar, in the blood. When food is consumed it is changed into glucose. The pancreas then secretes a hormone called insulin which allows the glucose to become absorbed into the body's cells, where it is used for energy. In a person with diabetes, the body is not producing enough insulin to make this happen. Instead, the glucose stays in the blood, causing damage to the body's organs, such as the kidneys, the heart, and the eyes.
High sugar levels can damage the vessels in the eyes, causing injury to the retina, the vitreous, the lens, or the optic nerve. Injury to the retina is probably one of the most common problems doctors see when it comes to eye problems associated with diabetes. Known as diabetic retinopathy, this occurs when the blood vessels in the retina swell and leak fluid. Though not usually accompanied by symptoms initially, some people may see "floaters", or experience blurred vision as the disease progresses. Left untreated, permanent vision loss can develop.
Other eye problems diabetics should be cognizant of are cataracts and glaucoma, which can both occur earlier in diabetics, and, in the case of glaucoma, is twice as likely to be found in a person with diabetes than in a person who doesn't suffer from this disease.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
A person with diabetes may be in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy and not be aware of it, as usually in this stage there are no symptoms. Managing one's blood sugar, as well as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, is essential to maintaining overall good health in a diabetic. High blood pressure, as well as elevated cholesterol levels, directly affect the health of the eyes.
As the disease progresses, however, symptoms may slowly begin to appear in the form of blurred vision, spots or "floaters", dark or empty areas in one's vision and/or fluctuating vision. These symptoms will usually occur in both eyes, and require immediate evaluation by an ophthamologist. Even if not suffering from any obvious vision changes, diabetics should have a yearly examination by an ophthamologist who will thoroughly examine the eyes, spotting potential problems before they become serious.
In advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy, the leakage from the blood vessels can cause scar tissue to develop, which can lead to serious vision problems such as a detached retina, glaucoma and vision loss.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Having diabetes does not mean that one will automatically have vision problems. Properly managing one's diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol are all good ways to prevent future eye complications. Those who smoke, who are pregnant, or who are black or Hispanic are also at an increased risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. Pregnant women should have a complete ophthalmologic examination during their first trimester, and follow up with another exam later in the pregnancy if any problems were noted during the first check-up. Those who smoke should discontinue smoking, seeking the help of their physician for ways in helping to kick the habit.
Other ways to prevent diabetic retinopathy is to keep careful monitoring of one's blood sugar levels by keeping to a healthy diet and exercise program and checking one's blood sugar levels as often as recommended by a physician. The A1C test, usually administered twice per year by a physician, reflects one's average blood sugar levels for a two- or three-month period, so it is advised that diabetics have this test performed. Also essential to the prevention of diabetic retinopathy is to have a yearly eye examination, which can spot problems early and lead to more effective treatment options.
Sources
"Diabetic Retinopathy," Mayo Clinic, accessed Jan 10, 2011, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetic-retinopathy/DS00447
"Diabetes Basics," American Diabetes Association, accessed Jan 11, 2011, http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/
Valerie Williams - Valerie Williams resides in the Metro-Atlanta area. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management, and has spent much ...
