3 Eye Diseases Related to Diabetes
The presence of diabetes poses a considerable threat to the development of potentially hazardous eye conditions. A striking statistic reveals that approximately one-third of individuals above the age of 40, who happen to have diabetes, are affected by diabetic retinopathy—a foremost contributor to the loss of vision and complete blindness. Nevertheless, it is important to note that diabetic retinopathy does not stand alone as the sole eye ailment associated with diabetes, capable of causing irreversible harm to one's eyesight. There are three eye diseases.
3 Eye Diseases Related to Diabetes
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1-Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy emerges as a consequence of persistently high blood sugar levels, which inflict harm upon your blood vessels, including the delicate ones responsible for nourishing your retina. This condition takes shape as abnormal blood vessels start to seep blood and other fluids onto the surface of your retina. It follows a progressive course, where new blood vessels form in an attempt to compensate for the leaky vessels, only to succumb to leakage themselves, intensifying the damage inflicted.
2-Macular edema
The presence of abnormal blood vessels that leak can also trigger swelling in the macula, which is the central region of your retina responsible for controlling your vital central vision. As time passes, this swelling affects your ability to perceive and discern objects in your central field of view. Activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces become increasingly challenging as your central vision becomes progressively blurred and distorted.Read more
3-Glaucoma
Glaucoma encompasses a range of eye diseases characterized by increased pressure within the eyeball, resulting in damage to the optic nerve. In the context of diabetes, when the blood vessels in your eyes are compromised, the accumulation of excess fluids and swelling overwhelms the drainage angles, leading to a buildup of pressure within your eye. This heightened pressure further exacerbates the risk of glaucoma development and its associated complications.
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| 3 Eye Diseases Related to Diabetes |
Signs of diabetic eye disease
The initial stages of diabetic eye diseases often go unnoticed, as they may not present any noticeable symptoms. This highlights the crucial importance of undergoing diabetic eye exams at least once a year. Regular screenings enable the timely detection of eye diseases, allowing for tailored treatment interventions before any significant damage occurs to your vision.
However, there are instances where symptoms related to eye diseases may manifest, and it's essential to be aware of them. These symptoms may include:
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Fluctuations in vision from day to day
- Diminished color vision
- Presence of floaters or flashes
- Dark or blank spots in your visual field
If you happen to experience any of these symptoms, it is imperative to promptly contact your doctor for an eye examination, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment. Your timely action can significantly contribute to preserving your vision and mitigating the potential impact of diabetic eye diseases. Read more
Do not overlook these signs of a retinal detachment
It is crucial not to disregard the following signs that may indicate a retinal detachment. While various eye diseases, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), can gradually impair your vision without immediate awareness until the disease has progressed significantly.
A retinal detachment occurs when the vitreous, a gel-like substance within the eye, contracts and leads to fluid leakage through a tear in the retina. This gradual buildup of pressure eventually causes the entire retina to separate from its underlying supportive tissue.
Retinal detachments typically manifest suddenly, often resulting from a forceful impact to the head, such as in a car accident or during sports activities. Look out for the following signs:
- Sudden perception of flashing lights across your visual field, resembling stars or flashes
- Noticeable increase in the number of floaters in your visual field
- Presence of a shadow or black spot in your peripheral vision
- Partial obstruction of your visual field, as if covered by a gray curtain
- Sudden and complete loss of vision
A retinal detachment is considered a medical emergency, and immediate medical attention is imperative. Delaying prompt intervention puts you at risk of permanent vision loss.
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A Guide to Managing Diabetic Eye Disease
If you have already been diagnosed with diabetic eye disease. Some of the commonly employed procedures for managing diabetic eye diseases encompass the use of anti-VEGF medication, laser treatments, and vitrectomy, among others. These treatments aim to mitigate the disease's progression and preserve your visual function to the greatest extent possible.
Anti-VEGF medication
As part of our comprehensive approach, administer anti-VEGF injections to effectively halt the progression of abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in your eyes. With these specialized injections, we aim to reduce the impact of retinopathy and macular edema, two prominent manifestations of diabetic eye disease. These injections are conveniently administered during your regular checkup appointments, ensuring timely intervention and targeted treatment for optimal outcomes. Top of Form
Laser treatments
Laser therapy serves as an effective means to halt the progression of your condition, preventing further deterioration. It is important to note, however, that while laser treatment can effectively halt the advancement of the disease, it cannot restore vision loss that may have already occurred. Nonetheless, laser treatments play a vital role in preserving and maintaining the overall health of your eyes.
Vitrectomy
If left untreated, the scarring resulting from retinopathy can lead to a condition where your retina becomes detached from the back of your eye. To address this concern, a surgical procedure takes known as vitrectomy. During a vitrectomy, the vitreous fluid in your eye is carefully removed and replaced, ensuring your retina's stability and proper positioning. By undertaking this procedure, it preserves your visual function and overall ocular health.
