Consider a bustling India where the aroma of street food fills the air that is happy with cheerful people and vibrant culture. But…amidst this vibrant life, a silent health crisis is unfolding. Diabetes, once considered a concern for the rich, is now affecting millions across the nation.
The Rise of Diabetes in India and Its Impact on Vision:
According to a 2023 study by the Indian Council of Medical Research, about 101 million adults in India are living with diabetes. One of the most concerning complications of diabetes is the Diabetic retinopathy (DR). It is a condition where high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. Among the top eye complications of diabetes, DR is a leading cause of blindness in India. A study published in The Lancet estimated that approximately 3 million people above the age of 40 are at risk of blindness due to diabetes in the country. Today we are here to help you learn ‘How Diabetes Affects Your Vision’ and outline preventive measures to protect vision keeping away diabetic eye issues. For this reason, visiting the Best Eye Hospital in your area is strongly advised for regular screenings and early detection.
How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes:
A small, delicate network of blood vessels nourishing the back of your eyes—it is the Retina. In individuals with diabetic eye disease, one also faces high blood sugar levels that can damage retina, leading to further loss of eye-sight.
- We start with what is Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)? It is the most common eye trauma caused by diabetes. It affects the retina. In India, about 12.5% of people with diabetes have DR and 4% have vision-threatening DR. It can lead to blindness if not treated.
- Cataracts – people with diabetes are at higher risk of developing cataracts. In India, cataracts among older adults with diabetes is found in 29%, people compared to 22% in those without diabetes.
- Glaucoma involves damage to the optic nerve. This is caused by high eye pressure. Diabetics have a higher risk, with prevalence rates ranging from 2.5% to 15.6%.
- Macular Edema means the swelling in the central part of the retina. These diabetic eye problems can occur, leading to blurred or distorted central vision. In India, the prevalence of diabetic macular edema is less than 10%.
Advances in technology have brought hope to many. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now being used to detect diabetic retinopathy early, even from images of the retina, helping doctors diagnose issues before they become serious. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s time to consult the Best Eye Doctor near you to assess any damage and plan early intervention.
Read Also: What Are the Early Signs of Cataracts? Causes, Stages & Treatment
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy:
- Dark or empty spots in your vision
- Blurred or fluctuating eye-sight
- Eye pain or feeling of some pressure on the eyeball
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition that starts when high blood sugar levels damage the Retina. These vessels can leak fluid or even become blocked. These then will be affecting how well you see. How Diabetes Affects Your Vision? In the early stages, it’s called non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. It is when the damage is still relatively mild. But if you do not take care at this stage, then it will convert to a serious stage known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. At this point, new, fragile blood vessels grow in the retina. Then they will now bleed, leading to potential eyesight loss.
People who have lived with diabetes for many years are at higher risk. This is particularly if their blood sugar levels haven’t been well managed. High blood pressure and cholesterol will only worsen it.
We had a patient, Mrs. Patel. She had been living with diabetes for about 12 years. She hadn’t been as careful with her blood sugar levels. One day, she came to us complaining of blurry vision, especially in her peripheral sight. After an eye examination, we discovered that she had early-stage diabetic retinopathy. With early treatment, we were able to prevent the progression. Yes, due to early intervention, her vision was saved. We referred her to a Diabetic Clinic for better sugar management and follow-up eye care.
How to Prevent Diabetes-Related Vision Loss:
Now that we have shared ‘how does diabetes affect the eyes’, let us now talk about the prevention because prevention is always better than cure. Fortunately, there are simple yet effective steps to protect your eyes.
- First and foremost, controlling your blood sugar is crucial. The HBA1C test is a good guide. It measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It will show you your blood sugar level range and your doctor will; guide how to lower it. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol is equally important. These both together cause eye complications if left unmanaged.
- Quitting smoking is essential. Smoking can worsen blood circulation, which is a big threat to the small blood vessels in your eyes.
- A healthy, balanced diet plays a big role in managing diabetes. Diabetes-friendly Indian foods like millets, dal and green leafy vegetables, are packed with nutrients. These keep the blood sugar under check.
- Regular physical activity is another powerful tool. Even simple activities like walking or yoga make a huge difference.
- Lastly, protect your eyes from external harm by wearing protective eyewear if you’re exposed to dust or staring at screens for long periods. These small, daily steps can go a long way in preserving your eyes.
Treatments Available for Diabetic Retinopathy:
In India, treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy are advancing, offering hope to many.
- Laser treatment stops the leakage of fluid from damaged blood vessels in the retina.
- For more severe cases, Anti-VEGF injections help stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels and reduce swelling.
- Cataract surgery can also restore vision to some extent.
However, you need to remember that only early detection and suitable treatment of diabetic eye problems can lead to better outcomes. So you must undergo regular eye check-ups. Thankfully, from check-ups to treatments – everything is available not only in urban centers but also increasingly through tele-ophthalmology, reaching even rural areas of India.
Telemedicine and Teleophthalmology:
Telemedicine platforms have revolutionized the way eye health is managed, allowing individuals from remote areas to get real-time consultations. These services have become more accessible, and they are especially vital in India’s rural settings, where eye care may not always be easily available.
CTA:
Diabetes doesn’t have to steal your sight. With regular eye tests and good control of blood sugar, you can surely protect your eyes. Please don’t wait—book an eye exam or speak to the best eye doctors around you. Remember, with the right care, your eyes can stay healthy and bright.
FAQs:
Diabetes can damage small blood vessels in the eyes, especially in the retina. This can lead to problems like blurry vision, swelling, or even blindness if not treated early.
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by high sugar levels damaging the retina. It can start with no symptoms, but later it may cause vision loss if not checked in time.
Some early symptoms include blurry vision, dark spots, eye pain, or pressure feeling in the eyes. If you notice any of these, please see an eye doctor quickly.
Yes. People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts make your vision cloudy, and glaucoma damages the optic nerve due to high eye pressure.
At least once a year, go for a full eye check-up. If your doctor says you have early eye changes, then more frequent check-ups may be needed.
