Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases that can lead to vision loss and blindness, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma. In fact, diabetes is actually one of the leading cause of blindness in the United States.
Diabetic eye conditions often develop without any noticeable vision loss or pain, so significant damage may already be done to the eye by the time patients notice any symptoms. For this reason, it is important for diabetic patients to have their eyes examined at least once a year. Early detection of eye disease can help prevent permanent damage.
Diabetic-related eye problems develop from high blood sugar levels, which can cause damage to blood vessels in the eye. Over 40 percent of diabetic patients will develop some form of eye disease in their life. The risk of developing eye problems can be reduced through regular eye exams and by keeping blood sugar levels under control through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Cause of Diabetic Eye Conditions
Diabetic eye conditions develop in the retina as a result of microvascular abnormalities. The tiny blood vessels within the retina develop microaneurysms and begin to leak blood. As new blood vessels develop, they also leak blood and can cause hemorrhages and permanent damage to the retina.
While diabetics struggle with a high sugar count in the blood along with insufficient insulin production, it is actually the lack of oxygen in the blood that causes eye problems and leads to vision loss.
Proper Diagnosis for Diabetic Eye Condition
First ever question raised in this direction would be how to detect diabetic eye condition? The solution is simple with a rigorous eye exam. Comprehensive eye exam includes visual insight test which test vision at several distances, dilated eye exams to analyses the structure for the early sign of diseases. The doctor examines optic nerve and retina during the time of the test, through the specially designed magnifying lens. Besides, Tonometry can be performed during an eye exam to quickly measure the pressure present inside eyes through special instruments.
At least once in a year eye exams are mandatory to be performed or soon after the detection of the problem in order to determine the severity of the problem. Early detection is the key protection in case of diabetes and eye problems.
