How Does Diabetes Cause Problems in Your Eyes
In the case of diabetes, patients may develop diabetic retinopathy. Routine eye exams matter for people with diabetes. Diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). This may cause fluid leakage and swelling in the macula (diabetic macular edema) or abnormal new vessel growth that can bleed (proliferative diabetic retinopathy). Many people have no symptoms at first, so regular dilated exams are necessary.
Diabetic macular edema is responsible for distorting patients’ vision. This entire cascade of changes in the eyes requires regular monitoring and evaluation. Here’s a suggested frequency of dilated eye exams for diabetic patients:
- Type 1 diabetes: first dilated eye exam within 5 years of diagnosis, then every year (or more often if advised).
- Type 2 diabetes: dilated exam at diagnosis, then every year (or more often if advised).
- Pregnancy with diabetes: exam before conception and in the first trimester.
Five Signs You Need a Diabetic Eye Exam
Diabetic patients will experience the following signs if they have eye problems:
Blurry Vision
Patients may feel the blurriness that comes and goes or even stays. This occurs when the fluid leakage in the retina, specifically the macula, is increasing. Patients find difficulty in seeing fine details and clarity.
2. Appearance of Cobwebs Or Dark Spots
If you are diabetic, you might notice the sudden appearance of cobwebs, dark spots, or specs that float throughout your vision, especially when you’re trying to focus. This may mean that there is bleeding in your retina.
3. Fluctuations In Visions
Having a controlled or uncontrolled blood sugar level causes your eye lens to swell or, at times, contract. This, in turn, leads to a shifting vision that some people with diabetes experience.
4. Difficulty With Night Vision
Patients who find difficulty focusing or seeing in low light, especially during the night, need to go for a diabetic eye exam.
5. Appearance of Shadows or Sudden Vision Loss
Some people with diabetes often see a sudden blackout of their vision. It could be a result of the vitreous hemorrhage, which means bleeding in the inside gel of your eye. Sometimes patients may also notice the appearance of dark shadows that could be an alarming sign.
Diabetic eye problems can progress slowly and gradually, and patients may not realize it until they undergo severe damage. However, noticing the signs and symptoms of a diabetic eye can help prevent the condition from getting worse.
Treatments Available for Eye Problems in Diabetic Patients
Specialists may suggest the following:
- Anti-VEGF injections are commonly first-line to reduce macular swelling and treat abnormal vessel growth.
- Laser therapy: Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) helps regress abnormal vessels in proliferative disease; focal/grid laser may be used selectively for leaking microaneurysms.
- Vitrectomy surgery removes non-clearing blood or scar tissue and treats tractional retinal detachment. Your retina specialist will tailor the plan.
Summing Up
If you live with diabetes, even without symptoms, book your annual dilated eye exam. If you notice any of the warning signs above, schedule an urgent appointment.
Don’t wait for your signs to progress; schedule your appointment at Bharmal Internal Medicine, where we offer you medical health evaluations and treatments. Call us now at (817) 784-0052to book your consultation.