Understanding How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
Diabetes affects millions globally and can quietly damage your vision. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of vision loss. Understanding the warning signs can help protect your eyesight.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye problem caused by diabetes. High blood sugar damages tiny blood vessels in the retina – the part of your eye that helps you see.
There are two stages:
- Early stage: Blood vessels leak fluid, causing swelling
- Advanced stage: New abnormal blood vessels grow and bleed, which can lead to vision loss
Warning Signs to Watch For
In early stages, you may notice nothing at all. This is why it’s called the “silent thief of sight.” As it progresses, you might notice:
- Floaters: Dark spots drifting across your vision
- Blurry vision: Difficulty seeing clearly
- Vision changes: Vision that goes from blurry to clear
- Dark or empty spots in your vision
- Trouble seeing at night
- Colors look faded
Regular eye checkups can catch problems before you notice symptoms.
What Causes It?
High blood sugar over time damages blood vessels in your eyes. This leads to:
- Fluid leaking
- Blood vessel blockage
- New abnormal blood vessels growing
- Scar tissue forming
Risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Long-term diabetes
Three Common Symptoms
- Floaters – Small dark shapes from bleeding in the eye
- Blurred vision – From eye swelling
- Dark spots – From blocked blood vessels
Urgent Warning Signs
See a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Sudden vision loss
- Flashing lights
- Trouble reading or seeing faces
- Shadow or curtain over your vision
- Eye pain or pressure
How It’s Detected
Doctors use eye exams and imaging tests to check your retina and blood vessels.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on how advanced the condition is:
Managing Your Health
- Control blood sugar
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol
- Healthy diet and exercise
- Quit smoking
Medical Treatments
- Eye injections to reduce swelling
- Laser treatment to seal leaking vessels
- Surgery for severe cases
Prevention is Key
You can reduce your risk by:
- Managing diabetes well
- Getting yearly eye exams
- Eating healthy and exercising
- Not smoking
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol
Important Facts
- More than half of people with diabetes develop diabetic retinopathy
- It’s a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults
- Early detection can prevent up to 90% of vision loss cases
Protect Your Vision
Diabetic retinopathy is serious but preventable. Regular checkups and good diabetes management protect your eyesight.
Get Your Eyes Checked
If you have diabetes, regular eye screening is essential. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
Visit Seri Mediclinic for health screening Panel Coverage: AIA, PM Care & MI Care
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