Diabetes and Your Eyes

Although the specific cause of diabetes remains a mystery, we do know that today more than 20 million adults and children in the United States live with this disease. With diabetes, the body is not capable of producing any or enough insulin, which is a hormone that converts sugar, starches, and other foods into energy. Many studies have been conducted to determine the cause with the results leaning toward genetics and environmental factors. For instance, an obese person has a much greater risk of developing diabetes than someone who is not overweight.

Unfortunately, diabetes has a direct impact on a person’s health and lifestyle. Depending on the type of diabetes, the impact can be significant. The eyes are one part of the body that can be affected with a condition known as “Diabetic Retinopathy”. Although both glaucoma and cataracts occurs specific to diabetes, the retina of the eye is at greatest risk. Typically, people who have had this disease for 20 years will begin to experience eye problems.

Eventually, the circulatory system of the eye’s retina is affected. At first, the arteries of the retina become weak. When this happens, the retina will leak, which then causes tiny hemorrhages leading to edema. Unfortunately, once the swelling develops, a decrease of vision is likely.

The next phase is called “proliferative diabetic retinopathy”, which has to do with circulation problems. Once this phase is reached, the eye is deprived of oxygen. This results in delicate vessels developing while trying to maintain the needed levels of oxygen in the retina. This condition, known as “neovascularization”, usually involves the vessels starting to hemorrhage with blood leaking into the retina, as well as the vitreous. These small leaks form floaters that can also decrease a person’s vision.

One other eye problem associated with diabetes is when vessel growth continues leaving behind scar tissue. The major concern in this case is that glaucoma will develop or the person may experience a detachment of the retina, both very serious conditions.

Obviously, we have but two eyes so it is imperative to do whatever it takes to keep them healthy. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you will want to work closely with your doctor, paying close attention to any symptoms such as floaters, blurred vision, and even a sudden loss of vision. Regular eye examinations are important and if monitored carefully and any issue is found then a number of options are available for treatment.