For the diabetic, eye damage becomes a significant risk if blood glucose is not kept at healthy levels. While there are several conditions and complications related to the eyes and diabetes, actual eye damage may go unnoticed until it is severe. There are several indicators that blood glucose is negatively affecting your vision. It is important to be aware of these and know their symptoms as well as have regular visits with your doctor to test your glycosylated haemoglobin. An early indicator that blood sugar has been out of control is blurriness. Caused by extended periods of high glucose, excess water swells the lens of the eye, taking nearly six weeks before the swelling will go down after glucose levels are normalized. When blood sugar has gone unchecked for several years, the capillaries of the eye will weaken leading to leakage of blood and fluid into the eye and the formation of newer, weaker vessels ultimately leading to microaneurysms. When the leakage affects the macula, permanent vision changes may result.
Diabetic Eye Damage: The Retina
Retinopathy is the most common form of diabetic eye damage and frequently leads to permanent eye damage. Because it affects the retina of the eye and thus the eye/brain communication related to seeing, retinopathy can lead to blindness. Due to the progressive nature of retinopathy, prevention is the only guarantee to avoid any eye damage. Having regular eye examinations with eye dilation or the use of a camera is important so that early signs may be detected. It is advisable that those who have been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes see an ophthalmologist immediately as it is likely that glucose levels have been unstable for an extended period of time before diagnosis. In an interesting new report by Laurence S. Lim, MD of the Singapore National Eye Centre, individuals with myopia have a 37% reduced risk of diabetic retinopathy overall and 53% lower risk of moderate retinopathy.
Diabetic Eye Damage Effects More Than Just Your Eyes
In the event that there has been permanent damage to the eye counseling and support can become an essential part of your treatment. The National Federation of the Blind states that blind diabetics can continue to be independent, with the ability to monitor their own glucose and administer insulin. “Limitations” are usually self-imposed and can be helped by a support group. There are many online forums and groups that your eye care professional can put you in touch with. The Diabetes Action Network, a division of the National Federation of the Blind, has many resources and publications on their website with specific information for blind diabetics (http://www.nfb.org/nfb/diabetics.asp).
