Eye Problems in Diabetics

Eye problems are very common among diabetics, and may even cause blindness. Diabetics are thus at a higher risk of blindness than others. Generally, most eye disorders in diabetics are minor. The good news is that, with regular screening by an eye specialist, these minor eye problems can be managed properly, and usually subside. It is important to know that even if a major problem develops in your eyes, proper and timely treatment can set things right.

Eye problems and how the eye functions

To better understand how eye problems are associated with diabetes, it is helpful to know a bit about eye function. The eye is a ball protected by a sturdy outer membrane and a clear curved front cover. The curved area is called the cornea, and its function is to which focuses light and also protects the eye.

When light travels through the cornea, it passes through:

• First, a space called the anterior chamber, which is filled with a protective fluid called the aqueous humor.
• Second, the pupil, which is a hole in the iris and is seen in the middle of the colored part of our eyes.
• Third, a lens that helps us maintain visual focus.
• Then, a fluid-filled chamber in the center of the eye called the vitreous.
• Finally, it strikes the back of the eye, which we know as the retina. Thereafter, the retina gets into action. It starts off by recording the images focused on it. Then it converts them into electrical signals for the brain to receive and decode. A part of the retina concentrates on catching the finer details that our eyes register. This small area that ensures finer and sharper vision is called the macula. The macula is well-nourished by blood vessels in and behind the retina.

Diabetic Glaucoma

Diabetics have a 40 percent higher risk of developing glaucoma than people without diabetes. Your chances of developing glaucoma increase with age and the duration of diabetes.

Glaucoma develops when pressure builds up in the eye and damages the retina and nerves. The excessive pressure closes off the drainage channels, and so delays the drainage of the aqueous humor, which accumulates in the anterior chamber. The pressure that builds up squeezes the blood vessels that supply blood to the retina and optic nerve. This damages the retina and nerves, and finally leads to blindness.

Glaucoma can be treated either with medication or surgery that helps to reduce pressure in the eye.

Diabetic Cataracts

Cataract is a common disease. It refers to clouding of the clear transparent lens of the eye, which blocks off the light. However, diabetics have a 60 percent higher risk of developing this 71 71 condition. Diabetics usually develop cataracts at a young age, and they show rapid progression.

Mild cataracts can be managed by wearing sunglasses and using glare-control lenses if you need glasses. If the cataract affects normal vision, the lens of the eye often has to be removed. In many cases, an artificial lens implant is also performed at the same time. However, in diabetics, lens removal can aggravate retinopathy, and can even lead to glaucoma.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Disorders of the retina are common in diabetics. Diabetic retinopathy is classified into two major types: 1. Nonproliferative retinopathy – This is the more common type of retinopathy. This condition is marked by balloon and pouch-like formations in the capillaries that overlie the back of the eye. This type of retinopathy has three stages - mild, moderate, and severe - depending on the degree and extent of blockage.

2. Proliferative retinopathy – Sometimes, after many years of retinopathy, a diabetic patient develops a more serious form of the disease, called proliferative retinopathy. Here, the damaged blood vessels are completely blocked, and the retina starts to grow new blood vessels. However, these new vessels are fragile, and this can lead to complications such as vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment. In vitreous hemorrhage, blood seeps from the weak new blood vessels, blocking the path of light and thus depriving the patient of vision in that eye. In retinal detachment, the new blood TO vessels cause scar tissues to develop. When the scar tissue shrinks, it can distort the retina or pull it out of place, causing it to become detached.

Retinopathy Treatment

Treatment of diabetic retinopathy may be done using procedures such as scatter photocoagulation and focal photocoagulation. An early diagnosis of retinopathy is necessary for the success of these treatments. If detected in time, blindness is preventable.

Retinopathy Risk Factors

These are some of the factors that determine whether you are at risk from retinopathy:

• Blood sugar levels
• Blood pressure levels
• The number of years you have had diabetes
• Genetic influence The longer the duration of diabetes, the higher are the chances of developing retinopathy. Almost all Type 1 diabetics ultimately develop non-proliferative retinopathy. Most Type 2 diabetics will also follow suit. The best way to minimize your chances of developing retinopathy, or to ensure it is mild, is by keeping your blood sugar under tight control. 73 73