The World Health Organization has estimated that the number of people with diabetes will double from 171 million in 2000 to 366 million by 2030. With this, the number of people suffering from diabetic eye disease will also be on the rise. This may lead to loss of acquired vision in many people. However, according to the CDC, about 9 in every 10 cases of vision loss from diabetes can be prevented. A checkup by a specialist like Swati Kumar OD, FAAO can help in diagnosing and treating diabetic eye diseases, which includes the following four conditions:
1.Diabetic Macular Edema
Diabetic macular edema develops when blood and fluids pool in the retina’s center in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This section of the eye, also called the macula, is why you can see sharply, straight ahead, and in color. Since diabetic macular edema may not show symptoms in the early stages, it is important not to ignore changes in your vision, especially when you have diabetes. These may include seeing more floaters in your vision, double vision, blurry vision, and changes in color perception. Diabetic macular edema is a manageable condition. But, early detection and intervention are required.
2.Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a diabetes-related condition caused by a leaking blood vessel or the growth of new ones on the retinal surface. The number of people with diabetic retinopathy is expected to increase from 126.6 million in 2010 to 191.0 million by 2030. Currently, the disease affects 40 to 45 percent of diabetic patients and may cause total blindness if not treated in the early stages. Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by symptoms such as:
- Blurred vision and slow vision loss over time
- Shadows or missing areas of vision
- Trouble seeing at night
3.Cataracts
High blood sugar levels affect the space between your eyeballs and the cornea’s lens, promoting the growth of cataracts. Considered a major cause of vision loss for many patients with diabetes, some studies indicate that cataracts are three to four times more prevalent in patients with diabetes under the age of 65. Symptoms of cataracts include reduced intensity of colors, cloudy or misty vision, or yellowing in your vision. In some cases, you may get dazzled by bright lights or see a circle of light around objects.
4.Glaucoma
Glaucoma affects vision in patients with diabetes by damaging the optic nerve. The damage may happen very slowly, and the patient may not realize any change in their vision until it is too late. Symptoms of glaucoma include frequent headaches, red eyes, eye pressure or pain, tunnel vision, blurred vision, and blind spots. You may also see rainbow-colored halos around lights.
Because all diabetic eye diseases can cause serious loss of vision or even blindness, it is important to seek medical attention from experts as early as possible. It is also highly recommended to get a dilated eye exam annually to keep your eye health in check. Whichever diabetic eye disease you suspect you have, you need to discuss your symptoms with a specialist. Visit the team of experts at Alamo Eye Care today for personal and specifically tailored treatment.
While treatment is important, it is also recommended to consume supplements for eye health daily to manage your condition.
