Implication of Diabetes —Blindness or Vision Problem
Blindness or Vision Problems: Diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the eye, potentially leading to blindness. People with diabetes have a higher risk of blindness than people without diabetes.But most people who have diabetes have no or only minor eye disorders.
The eye problem most specific to diabetes is retinopathy or damage to the blood vessels in the back of the eye. Retinopathy is more common if you have had diabetes a long time, or if your blood glucose or blood pressure haven’t been under good control. Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up in the eye. Vision is gradually lost because the retina and nerve are damaged. People with diabetes are 40% more likely to suffer
from glaucoma than people without diabetes. The longer someone has had diabetes, the more common glaucoma is. Risk also increases with age. There are several treatments for glaucoma, including drugs that reduce pressure in the eye as well as surgical options.Many people without diabetes get cataracts, but people with diabetes are 60% more likely to develop this eye condition.
People with diabetes also tend to get cataracts at a younger age and have them progress faster. With cataracts, the eye’s clear lens clouds, blocking light. To help prevent and deal with mild cataracts, wear sunglasses outside and use glare-control lenses in your glasses.Don’t forget to get an annual dilated eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Many eye problems are silent until they are advanced, but early detection and treatment truly saves vision.
You can detect Cataract at an early stage.The most common symptoms of a cataract are:
Cloudy or blurry vision.
Problems with light, such as headlights that seem too bright, glare from lamps or very bright sunlight.
Colors that seem faded.
Poor night vision.
Double or multiple vision.
Frequent changes in glasses or contact lenses.