What is Diabetic Eye Diseases?
Diabetes can harm the eyes. It can damage the small blood vessels in the retina, the back part of your eye. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes also increases the chance of having glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye problems. Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye problems that can affect people with diabetes. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. Over time, diabetes can cause damage to your eyes, which can lead to poor vision or even blindness. But you can take steps to prevent diabetic eye disease, or keep it from getting worse, by taking care of your diabetes.
Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Diseases
Early Stages: Silent Progression
In its initial phases, diabetic retinopathy often presents without symptoms, underscoring the significance of routine dilated eye exams.
Vision changes, such as difficulty reading or seeing distant objects, may intermittently occur.
Advanced Symptoms: Signs of Trouble
As the disease progresses, symptoms may manifest, including floaters (spots or dark strings), blurry or fluctuating vision, and dark areas in the visual field.
Urgent attention is necessary to prevent complications like scar formation and increased bleeding.
Recognizing Emergencies: Immediate Action Needed
Certain signs demand immediate medical attention. Sudden appearances of floaters, flashes of light, a dark shadow over vision, or eye pain should prompt a swift consultation with a doctor.
Intermittent Symptoms: Vigilance Required
Even if symptoms come and go, any changes in vision, no matter how fleeting, should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Regular monitoring and early intervention are paramount for effective management of diabetic retinopathy.
Causes of Diabetic Eye Diseases
Diabetic retinopathy: Recognized as the primary cause of blindness in American adults, impacts the blood vessels in the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. These vessels may undergo swelling and leakage of fluid into the eye. Without proper intervention, it can result in severe complications like vision loss and retinal detachment, where the retina detaches from its usual position at the back of the eye.
Diabetic macular edema (DME): occurs when blood vessels in the retina release fluid into the macula, a crucial part of the retina essential for sharp, central vision. This condition typically manifests in individuals already displaying other signs of diabetic retinopathy.
Glaucoma: A cluster of eye diseases capable of harming the optic nerve connecting the eye to the brain. Diabetes-related glaucoma arises when blood vessels in the front of the eye sustain damage, leading to the growth of new blood vessels near the iris—the colored part of the eye. These vessels obstruct the drainage space for eye fluid, resulting in fluid accumulation and increased pressure within the eye.
Cataracts: A phenomenon where the clear lens at the front of the eye becomes clouded, are commonplace with aging. However, individuals with diabetes are more prone to developing cataracts at a younger age and at an accelerated rate compared to those without diabetes. Researchers suggest that elevated glucose levels contribute to the accumulation of deposits in the eye lenses.
Treatment for Diabetic Eye Diseases
Anti-VEGF Medicine: Your doctor may use medicines like aflibercept, bevacizumab, or ranibizumab. These drugs prevent abnormal blood vessel growth and help control fluid leaks in the eye. The doctor will inject these medicines during office visits using a thin needle. It might feel uncomfortable, but your eyes will be numbed.
Laser Treatment: Laser treatment, also known as photocoagulation, involves using a beam of light to create tiny burns inside the eye. This helps treat leaky blood vessels and excess fluid. While it may not bring back lost vision, it can prevent the eye disease from worsening. There are two types: focal (grid) for treating macular edema, and scatter (panretinal photocoagulation) for abnormal blood vessel growth.
Vitrectomy: Vitrectomy is a surgery where the gel in the center of the eye (vitreous gel) is removed. This is done to address severe bleeding or scar tissue caused by diabetic retinopathy. The procedure helps prevent the detachment of the retina, which could lead to blindness. It’s done in a surgery center or hospital under the influence of pain medicine.
Cataract Lens Surgery: If you have cataracts due to diabetes, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens. After healing, your vision should improve, but you might need a new glasses prescription. The success of the surgery also depends on addressing any damage from diabetic retinopathy or macular edema.
Top 5 Steps to Prevent Diabetic Eye Diseases
Annual Dilated Eye Exams: Your Vision Lifeline
Ensure your eyes stay healthy by scheduling a comprehensive dilated eye exam with your ophthalmologist at least once a year. Early stages of diabetic eye disease may be symptom-free, making early detection crucial. This exam allows your eye specialist to spot signs of damage before changes in your vision become apparent.
Healthy Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Guarding Your Eyes
Take charge of your overall health by managing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. High blood pressure can damage retinal blood vessels, increasing the risk of vision loss. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with weight management, regular exercise, and a diet low in sodium and alcohol to safeguard your eyes.
Quit Smoking: Clearing the Air for Your Vision
Smoking increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases associated with diabetes. Quitting smoking is a crucial step to decreasing this risk and improving your overall well-being. Make the decision to quit today to reduce the chance of developing cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Exercise for Healthy Eyes and Diabetes Control
Incorporate regular exercise into your routine for both overall health and diabetes management. Exercise promotes healthy eyes and helps control diabetes. Discuss suitable exercise options with your healthcare provider to ensure a regimen that aligns with your health goals.
Blood Sugar Control: A Clear View Ahead
Manage your blood sugar effectively to prevent vision issues. High blood sugar can impact the shape of your eye’s lens, causing temporary blurriness. Prolonged elevated levels can lead to damage in your eye’s blood vessels, resulting in potential vision loss. Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and monitor your blood sugar levels diligently.
Conclusion
Experience premier eye care in Moshi, Pune at Iris Eye Care, led by Dr. Vasundhara Kulkarni. Our expert team prioritizes proactive measures against diabetic eye conditions, offering annual dilated eye exams and advocating lifestyle changes like smoking cessation and regular exercise. With a commitment to holistic eye health, we provide advanced treatments such as anti-VEGF medicine, laser treatment, vitrectomy, and cataract lens surgery. Trust us for personalized attention and preventive strategies to safeguard your vision. Choose Iris Eye Care for the best in diabetic eye disease treatment and overall eye care excellence in Moshi, Pune. Your optimal vision is our priority.