Diabetes and Vision Problems

It’s incredibly important to keep up regular eye examinations, but even more so if you’ve been diagnosed or are already living with diabetes.

Diabetes in the UK has increased by 60% in the last 10 years alone. It is an extremely serious and complex illness that impacts the entire body through damage to large and small blood vessels, that can lead to heart attack and stroke, deteriorating eyesight, and problems with the kidneys, feet and nerves. People living with the disease may have to follow a strict regime of medication, diet and exercise to manage all sorts of short- and long-term complications in order to stay fit and well.

Eye specialists can help with early detection of diabetes as an eye exam can pick up the initial signs, therefore helping with an early diagnosis. Many people already live with type 2 diabetes for a long period of time without being aware of their condition and up to 19% of those newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes already have retinal changes.

AFTER DIAGNOSIS OF DIABETES

It’s important those already diagnosed continue to have regular sight tests. Statistics released in 2016 showed that over 50% of diabetics have experienced sight-related complications as a result of their condition. Over time, high levels of glucose leads to damage to the retina. This is known as diabetic retinopathy.

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Diabetic retinopathy involves changes in the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina at the back of the eye. These small blood vessels can be damaged by chronically high blood sugar levels or high blood pressure. Diabetic retinopathy is when these vessels start to leak, or haemorrhage, distorting sight. Left untreated, this can lead to serious vision problems. Within 20 years of diagnosis, almost everyone with Type 1 diabetes and almost two thirds of people with Type 2 diabetes will have some degree of retinopathy.

VISION PROBLEMS

Living with diabetes can mean vision problems occur earlier and quicker than for someone who doesn’t have the disease. These problems include macular oedema, cataracts and glaucoma.

Macula Odema is swelling that can occur when blood vessels in the retina are damaged, causing fluid to build up. The macula is part of the retina that helps you to see things clearly, so when damage occurs vision may become blurred.

Cataract is when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and therefore causes vision to become cloudy, distorted or sensitive to glare. People with diabetes can develop cataracts at an earlier age than normal.

Glaucoma is when the pressure of the fluid within the eye builds up to a higher level than is healthy. This pressure can damage the eye over time. Glaucoma occurs in people with and without diabetes, but is much more common in people with diabetes.

THE GOOD NEWS…

Diabetic eye problems can be reduced or even prevented. If diabetic retinopathy is detected early, it can be managed and treated. A full annual eye exam will find signs of the condition, even if there are no symptoms. Research has shown controlled and managed diabetes slows down the onset and progression of retinopathy.

Our advice? Keep up to date with your eye tests.