In diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels can cause inflammation of the blood vessels in the eyes, potentially leading to damage over time. In severe cases, this can result in complete blindness. However, not everyone with diabetes experiences such serious vision problems. Monitoring blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels can reduce the risks of eye diseases. Here’s what you need to consider!
You’ll be amazed at how diabetes impacts your vision! Here’s what experts have warned about.
It may not be immediately apparent, but diabetes can lead to significant eye-related issues as well. For instance, fluctuations in blood sugar levels can trigger diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. These conditions pose a serious risk, as they can result in complete vision loss. Here’s what you need to know!
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Unsplash How Diabetes Affects the Eyes: Retinopathy
According to the WHO, diabetic retinopathy—damage to the retina caused by high blood sugar levels—is the leading cause of blindness among individuals aged 20 to 64. The disease develops gradually, and its early stages may go unnoticed without regular consultations with a specialist.
- Uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of retinal detachment
Diabetic retinopathy can lead to the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina, which weaken the tissues and increase the likelihood of retinal detachment. This requires urgent surgical intervention, as it can easily result in complete vision loss.
In the early stages, symptoms are usually absent. However, in later stages, the following may occur:
- “floaters” in the eyes;
- blurry vision;
- dark or empty spots even in well-lit conditions;
- difficulty distinguishing colors;
- worsening vision in low-light situations.
Unsplash Interesting Facts About Diabetes and Eyes
- 1. Glaucoma and cataracts develop faster in diabetes
Glaucoma is a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure and impaired optic nerve function. People with diabetes are twice as likely to experience glaucoma: in its early stages, it often presents no symptoms, but later, a person with diabetes may lose peripheral vision, experience blurriness, or encounter blind spots, along with redness and light sensitivity in the eyes.
Western specialists warn: additionally, individuals with diabetes face a threefold increased risk of developing cataracts—clouding of the lens. Moreover, diabetes accelerates this process, leading to vision deterioration even at a young age.
- 2. Diabetes can cause macular edema (diabetic macular edema)
Elevated blood sugar levels lead to fluid leakage from blood vessels in the macula—the central area of the retina responsible for sharp vision. This results in decreased visual quality, especially when reading or working with fine details.
- 3. Diabetes can affect color perception
Chronic damage to the retina due to diabetic retinopathy can diminish the ability to distinguish colors, particularly in the blue and yellow spectrums. This is related to the dysfunction of light-sensitive retinal cells and impaired signal transmission to the brain, as explained by Western experts.