Health And Me Desk

Health and Me

World Sight Day: The Hidden Link Between Diabetes & Blindness - Why Good Vision Doesn't Mean Healthy Eyes

The Hidden Link Between Diabetes and Blindness: Why Good Vision Doesn't Mean Healthy Eyes

Clear vision does not always mean that the eyes are healthy. <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/diabetes">Diabetes</a></span> can damage the <span>retina</span> the sensitive layer at the back of the eye long before a person notices any change in eyesight. 

This happens because high blood sugar can weaken the blood vessels that supply the retina causing them to leak fluid or blood.

<h2>What happens as <span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/retinopathy">retinopathy</a></span> progresses?</h2>

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/computer-vision-syndrome-why-wfh-professionals-are-seeing-more-eye-problems-article-156260307" data-type="tilCustomLink">Diabetic retinopathy</a> is a complication in which high blood sugar damages the blood vessels. In the stages these vessels may swell or develop small areas of bleeding without affecting vision.

As the condition advances, reduced blood supply can cause abnormal new blood vessels to grow. These vessels are fragile. May bleed into the vitreous the clear gel inside the eye. In some cases, scar tissue can pull the retina away from its normal position leading to retinal detachment and potentially permanent vision loss.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/eye-drop-recall-nearly-750000-products-pulled-over-sterility-concerns-in-us-article-156275557" data-type="tilCustomLink">Eye Drop Recall: Nearly 750,000 Products Pulled Over Sterility Concerns in US</a>

<h2>How diabetes affects central vision</h2>

Diabetes can also affect the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp detailed vision. When fluid builds up in this area it can cause macular oedema and gradually affect the quality of vision.

<ul><li>Distorted central vision</li><li>Difficulty reading or recognising faces</li><li>Problems with activities that require clear detailed vision, such as driving</li></ul>

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/peripheral-vascular-disease-explained-symptoms-risks-prevention-treatment-article-156260510" data-type="tilCustomLink">Diabetic macular oedema</a> can occur at different stages of diabetic retinopathy and does not always cause symptoms in the early stages.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/eye-twitching-is-it-just-stress-or-something-serious-article-156271965" data-type="tilCustomLink">Eye Twitching: Is It Just Stress Or Something Serious?</a>

The likelihood of eye damage increases with the duration of diabetes and poor blood sugar control. High blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels and kidney disease can further increase the risk. 

Women with diabetes may also need monitoring during pregnancy as hormonal and blood sugar changes can worsen existing retinal disease.

<h2>Why regular eye examinations matter</h2>

Alzheimer’s Disease: Early Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Prevention Tips

On <span>World Sight Day</span>, doctors recommend that a routine eyesight test may not detect damage to the retina. People with diabetes should therefore undergo an eye examination, including a dilated retinal examination at intervals recommended by their ophthalmologist.

Keeping <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/type-1-diabetes-student-nearly-dies-after-diet-advice-to-stop-insulin-why-insulin-is-essential-article-156259134" data-type="tilCustomLink">blood sugar</a>, blood pressure and cholesterol, under control can help reduce the risk of complications. If damage is detected treatment may include eye injections, laser therapy or surgery depending on its severity.

Diabetic eye disease can often be managed effectively when identified early. Regular retinal examinations remain important when a person can see clearly as changes may develop before symptoms appear.

<strong><em>By Dr Ashu Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Opthalmology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi</em></strong>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

the-hidden-link-between-diabetes-and-blindness-why-good-vision-doesnt-mean-healthy-eyes

Diabetes

Blindness

retinopathy

retina

World Sight Day

diabetes retinopathy

nana-patekar-dies-at-75-how-cardiac-arrest-is-different-from-a-heart-attack

Nana Patekar Dies At 75: How Cardiac Arrest Is Different From A Heart Attack

russia-denies-second-plague-case-as-who-seeks-clarity-on-lab-workers-death

Russia Denies Second Plague Case As WHO Seeks Answers On Lab Death; Trump Says It’s Not A Bioweapon

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Clear vision does not always mean that the eyes are healthy. Diabetes can damage the retina the sensitive layer at the back of the eye long before a person notices any change in eyesight. This happens because high blood sugar can weaken the blood vessels that supply the retina causing them to leak fluid or blood.What happens as retinopathy progresses?Diabetic retinopathy is a complication in which high blood sugar damages the blood vessels. In the stages these vessels may swell or develop small areas of bleeding without affecting vision.As the condition advances, reduced blood supply can cause abnormal new blood vessels to grow. These vessels are fragile. May bleed into the vitreous the clear gel inside the eye. In some cases, scar tissue can pull the retina away from its normal position leading to retinal detachment and potentially permanent vision loss.Also read: Eye Drop Recall: Nearly 750,000 Products Pulled Over Sterility Concerns in USHow diabetes affects central visionDiabetes can also affect the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp detailed vision. When fluid builds up in this area it can cause macular oedema and gradually affect the quality of vision.It may lead to:Distorted central visionDifficulty reading or recognising facesProblems with activities that require clear detailed vision, such as drivingDiabetic macular oedema can occur at different stages of diabetic retinopathy and does not always cause symptoms in the early stages.Also read: Eye Twitching: Is It Just Stress Or Something Serious?Who is at risk?The likelihood of eye damage increases with the duration of diabetes and poor blood sugar control. High blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels and kidney disease can further increase the risk. Women with diabetes may also need monitoring during pregnancy as hormonal and blood sugar changes can worsen existing retinal disease.Why regular eye examinations matter            On World Sight Day, doctors recommend that a routine eyesight test may not detect damage to the retina. People with diabetes should therefore undergo an eye examination, including a dilated retinal examination at intervals recommended by their ophthalmologist.Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, under control can help reduce the risk of complications. If damage is detected treatment may include eye injections, laser therapy or surgery depending on its severity.Diabetic eye disease can often be managed effectively when identified early. Regular retinal examinations remain important when a person can see clearly as changes may develop before symptoms appear.By Dr Ashu Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Opthalmology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi

the hidden link between diabetes and blindness: why good vision doesn't mean healthy eyes

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

World Sight Day: The Hidden Link Between Diabetes & Blindness - Why Good Vision Doesn't Mean Healthy Eyes

Russia Plague Fear Grows: Is India At Pandemic Risk? Experts Explain

Left Delhi To Escape Air Pollution? Why Health Effects May Linger For A Long Time

When Your Nervous System Is Overloaded: Signs Your Body Needs A Pause

Health Conditions A-Z