The effect of diabetes on the eyes of a diabetic
Diabetes damages the eyes in various ways; the most common conditions are glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy (DR), and retinal detachment, which can affect vision and even cause blindness.
Its severity is related to high and sustained sugar levels, high cholesterol, duration of diabetes (the longer the duration, the greater the severity), hypertension, smoking, pregnancy, and kidney disease.
Hyperglycemia leads to inflammatory changes in the retina, causing deterioration that can become severe or irreversible. It also affects the lens's ability to focus, impairing distance vision (similar to myopia) at high blood sugar levels. Once blood sugar begins to decrease, the opposite effect occurs, worsening near vision (diabetic presbyopia). This is a temporary and reversible condition. It is important to explain this condition to patients because of the misconception that diabetes treatments damage eyesight. Discontinuing these treatments can lead to vision-threatening complications.
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is initially asymptomatic, with no obvious findings on physical examination. During this period, changes occur in the retina that lead to its deterioration. Symptoms arise in advanced stages when the damage is severe (decreased night vision, floaters, blind spots or areas, and vision loss). In certain conditions, eye pain or double vision may occur due to involvement of the eye muscles.
You shouldn't wait for symptoms to appear before seeing a doctor. Early and regular eye exams are essential for timely diagnosis, determining the severity of the condition, and initiating appropriate treatment.
The best therapy is prevention, achieving good control of blood glucose (HbA1c <7%), cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, proper diet, adherence to the prescribed drug treatment, and exercise that should be specified by the doctor, since in some cases impact or resistance exercises such as boxing, weightlifting, jogging, or activities like blowing up balloons should be avoided.
Dr. Lucia M. Gonçalves Jardim
Internal Medicine Physician.
Specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolism
Email: luciamgoncalvesj@gmail.com
Telephone: +351 939 056 458