Diabetes is a common concern for many, but its effect on eyesight is often overlooked. The key to preserving your eyesight lies in early detection. Regular diabetic eye exams are the best way to catch changes before they progress. Understanding how diabetes affects your eyes and knowing what to watch for can help you take the right steps to protect your vision.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when your body struggles to manage glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream. This results in elevated blood sugar levels which can cause damage to different parts of your body, including your eyes.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: The body is unable to produce insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar.
- Type 2 Diabetes: The body doesn’t use insulin properly. This type often develops later in life.
Is Diabetes Preventable?
For some, diabetes is preventable. Type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and eating a balanced diet can lower your risk. Type 1 diabetes, however, is not preventable and usually develops earlier in life.
Can Diabetes Create Vision Loss?
Yes. Diabetes is a leading cause of vision loss. Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes are more likely to experience. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema (DME), which causes blurred vision and, if untreated, can lead to blindness. Diabetes can increase the risk of both cataracts and glaucoma.
Can Diabetes Cause Blurred Vision?
Blurred vision is a common early symptom of diabetic eye disease. High blood sugar levels can cause swelling in the lens of your eye, making it difficult to focus. This may come and go, but if left unchecked, it can lead to more serious vision problems.
How Would I Know If I Had Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic eye disease often has no early warning signs. You might not notice any changes in your vision until the disease has progressed. This is why annual diabetic eye exams are crucial. These exams allow your eye doctor to catch issues early, even before you have symptoms.
What Does a Diabetic Eye Exam Include?
A diabetic eye exam involves a few key tests:
- Dilated eye exam: Drops are used to widen or dilate your pupils, allowing the doctor to inspect the retina for damage.
- Visual acuity test: Measures how well you can see at different distances.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Takes detailed images of the retina to check for fluid buildup or swelling.
- Fluorescein angiography: Highlights abnormal blood vessels or leaks in the retina.
Who Is at Risk for Developing Diabetic Eye Disease?
If you have diabetes, you’re at risk for developing diabetic eye disease, especially if:
- Your blood sugar levels are not well-controlled.
- You have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
- You smoke.
- You’ve had diabetes for a long time.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Of all the diabetic eye conditions, diabetic retinopathy is the most common and one of the most dangerous. In the early stages, there are no symptoms, but as it progresses, it can lead to blindness if left untreated.
Here’s how it works: High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in your retina, causing them to leak or close off completely. As your body tries to compensate, abnormal new blood vessels may grow in the retina, leading to further vision problems.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
While diabetic retinopathy often starts silently, you may begin to notice symptoms as it worsens, such as:
- Blurry vision
- Dark spots or “floaters” in your vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Colors appearing faded or washed out
The key to preventing severe damage is catching diabetic retinopathy early. Annual comprehensive eye exams can help spot the condition before symptoms appear.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
Diabetic macular edema is a complication of diabetic retinopathy. It affects the central part of your retina, called the macula. The macula allows you to see fine details, like reading small print or recognizing faces. When fluid builds up in this area, it causes the macula to swell, leading to blurry or distorted vision.
Diabetic Macular Edema Symptoms
If you have DME, you might notice:
- Blurred or wavy central vision
- Trouble reading or recognizing faces
- Colors appearing dull or faded
DME can develop at any stage of diabetic retinopathy, which is why it’s so important to stay on top of your eye health if you have diabetes.
What Is the Treatment for Diabetes?
Managing diabetes is all about controlling your blood sugar levels, which can be achieved through:
- Diet and exercise: A balanced diet and regular physical activity are key in blood sugar control.
- Medication: Many people with diabetes rely on insulin or other medications to help regulate their blood sugar.
- Regular monitoring: Routine blood sugar checks are essential to stay on top of your levels.
What Are the Treatment Options for Diabetic Eye Disease?
Treatment depends on the specific condition and its severity. Common options include:
- Laser treatment: Used to seal off leaking blood vessels in the retina.
- Injections: Anti-VEGF injections can reduce swelling in the retina and slow the progression of the disease.
- Surgery: In advanced cases, surgery may be needed to remove scar tissue or blood from the eye.
Scheduling regular eye exams and managing your diabetes can significantly reduce your risk of vision loss. If you notice any changes in your sight—such as blurriness, dark spots, or trouble seeing at night—get in touch with your eye doctor right away.
Looking for a Good Eye Doctor?
The physicians at St. Lucie Eye are comprehensive ophthalmologists trained to monitor and manage how diabetes impacts eye health. We’re here to help—give us a call to schedule your Diabetic Eye Exam.