Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or if the body cannot effectively utilize the hormone produced, leading to complications such as retinopathy, a condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina of the eye.
According to statistics, people with diabetes have an increased risk of developing eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, endocrine ophthalmopathy, cataracts and glaucoma. This is due to high blood glucose levels and high blood pressure, which damage the blood vessels in the retina, triggering the development of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts.
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy
The symptoms of diabetic retinopathy can vary and depend on the stage of the disease. In the early stages of the disease, visual acuity does not deteriorate, but the retina is already beginning to undergo changes. Its vessels are dilated and thickened, through the permeable walls inside it gets part of the blood with dissolved proteins and fats. The accumulation of such fluid can lead to macular edema.
In later stages of the disease, the following symptoms may occur:
- Blurred vision;
- Appearance of spots in front of the eyes;
- Image distortion;
- Appearance of dark spots or blotches in the field of vision;
- Deterioration of color perception;
- The appearance of “flies” in front of the eyes.
Causes of diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy destroys the retina, the sensitive covering of the eye that transforms light into nerve impulses that travel to the brain and create images.If blood glucose levels are elevated over time, the walls of the blood vessels that feed the retina become damaged. They weaken, causing blood to seep through and reach the retina.
As the disease progresses, more and more vessels weaken and scar tissue appears. The scarring tightens the retina to such an extent that retinal detachment can occur, resulting in blindness.
How is diabetic retinopathy dangerous to the eyes?
Diabetic retinopathy is the second most common cause of blindness.
In diabetes mellitus, vision begins to deteriorate only after several years, when diabetic retinopathy changes from the background form to the preproliferative or proliferative form.
Causes of visual impairment in diabetic retinopathy:
- Retinal or vitreous hemorrhages;
- Macular edema or macular ischemia;
- Retinal detachment.
Treatment of diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy therapy can stop or slow down the loss of vision that irreversibly occurs when the retina is damaged. There is no complete cure for the disease, so it is possible that in a few years you will need another operation. Laser photocoagulation or vitrectomy is used to treat vision in diabetes.
Laser photocoagulation is a procedure during which a laser destroys damaged blood vessels in the retina.
If blood from the damaged blood vessels has leaked onto the retina or vitreous, a vitrectomy – vitreous removal – is performed. During the procedure, the doctor removes the blood and vision is restored.
Laser correction and vitrectomy can prevent vision loss if the retina is not completely destroyed. In some cases, injections of drugs that cause the hemorrhages to resorb are also helpful.
Tips to prevent vision loss with diabetes mellitus
- Control blood sugar levels, do not allow it to spike.
- The risk of complications of retinopathy and macular edema is higher in hypertensive patients, so monitor blood pressure. Keeping blood pressure in the normal range helps a balanced diet, maintaining optimal weight, and regular physical activity. Do not ignore the prescriptions of your doctor and take hypotensive drugs constantly, even if it seems to you that the pressure has normalized.
- Control your cholesterol levels. We are talking about the “bad” low-density lipoproteins, which destroy the walls of blood vessels.
- Stop smoking, which also negatively affects the condition of blood vessels.
- Eat a healthy diet dominated by fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. For example, scientists have found that omega-3 acid found in nuts and oily fish reduces the risk of retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity. Lifting weights, contact sports can provoke microbleeding, which is dangerous for the retina.
- Once or twice a year undergo a comprehensive diagnosis of vision in diabetes mellitus. It will help to detect any violations at an early asymptomatic stage. In the beginning, diabetic retinopathy does not manifest itself in any way, only the doctor can notice changes during examination. At the initial stage, gentle methods of treating vision in diabetes are still effective: medications and laser therapy. At the neglected stage, it is possible to stop the death of the retina only with the help of surgery, which has its own risks and complications.
Importance of regular eye exams
Regular eye exams are crucial for individuals with diabetes, even if they are not experiencing any symptoms of vision problems. Diabetes can affect the eyes in subtle ways, and diabetic retinopathy can develop without noticeable changes in vision during the early stages. An eye care professional can detect early signs of retinal damage before symptoms become apparent, allowing for timely intervention. Through routine eye exams, including a dilated eye exam, a doctor can monitor the health of the retina and other structures of the eye, helping to identify any abnormalities early on. Early detection and treatment are the most effective ways to prevent vision loss in individuals with diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended that people with diabetes undergo an eye exam at least once a year, or more frequently if advised by their healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Diabetes mellitus has a significant impact on eye health, especially through the development of diabetic retinopathy and other ophthalmologic diseases. It is important to realize that vision in diabetes can deteriorate imperceptibly in the early stages, so regular monitoring and early diagnosis are key to prevent irreversible changes. Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as quitting smoking and adhering to a healthy lifestyle, can significantly reduce the risk of developing eye complications. Fortunately, modern treatment methods, such as laser therapy and vitrectomy, can slow or stop vision loss if the disease is detected in time. Prevention and timely treatment are the key to preserving vision and quality of life in diabetes.
