Diabetes is a systemic problem that is not only limited to high blood sugar, but also deeply affects the body's vascular network. Especially organs with sensitive vascular structures, such as the eye, can be greatly damaged by this situation.
Does Diabetes Affect the Eyes? (What is Diabetic Retinopathy?)
Yes, diabetes affects the eyes and this condition is medically defined as diabetic retinopathy. Uncontrolled high blood sugar disrupts the structure of the capillaries in the retina layer covering the back wall of the eye. Blockages, leaks and bleeding in these vessels prevent the nutrition of the retina, leading to vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss in patients diagnosed with diabetes.
What Happens If Diabetes Affects the Eye? (Symptoms)
There may be no obvious complaints in the early stages. Symptoms that occur as the disease progresses are:
- Blurred and wavy vision
- difficulty focusing
- Pale colors
- Floaters (flies): Small hemorrhages leaking into the eye, creating black spots
- Sensation of curtains in the eye: Separation of the retina layer may cause the image to darken.
- Sudden vision loss: When sudden and intense bleeding occurs into the eye, vision may suddenly disappear.
Who is at Risk?
Risk of diabetic retinopathy; It is much higher in patients with long duration of diabetes (10 years or more), uncontrolled blood sugar (HbA1c), and high blood pressure and cholesterol problems. Smoking and pregnancy also increase the rate of progression of the disease.
Eye Diabetes Treatment
Treatment methods are selected depending on the type of damage:
- Intraocular Needle Treatment (Anti-VEGF): To dry the edema behind the eye and prevent the formation of new blood vessels. It may need to be repeated at regular intervals
- Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation): To close leaky vessels and seal unnourished areas of the retina
- Vitrectomy Surgery: If there is heavy bleeding into the eye or the retina is separated, surgical intervention is necessary.
In order for the treatment to be successful, the patient must keep his blood sugar and blood pressure under control. Vision loss can be largely prevented with a detailed fundus examination and strict sugar control at least once a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have diabetes but my eyesight is fine, should I have it checked?
Absolutely yes. Diabetic retinopathy progresses without symptoms in the early stages. It is necessary to have a fundus examination at least once a year.
Can diabetic retinopathy be cured?
Full recovery may not be possible, but with treatment, its progression can be stopped and vision loss prevented. Early diagnosis directly affects the success of treatment.
If I control my blood sugar, will my eye problem go away?
Keeping blood sugar under control slows the progression of the disease and makes treatments work more effectively. Therefore, diabetes management is critical for eye health.
