Diabetic retinopathy: Sugar also damages eyesight

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease. Can cause vision loss and blindness. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when there are changes in the blood vessels in the retina. Sometimes these vessels can swell and leak fluid, or even become completely clogged. In other cases, new abnormal blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina.

Causes ⤵
When blood sugar levels are very high for long periods of time, the capillaries (small blood vessels) that supply blood to the retina can deteriorate. Over time, these blood vessels begin to leak fluids and fats, causing edema (swelling). Eventually, a condition called ischemia may occur, during which blood vessels may become clogged. These problems are signs that nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is present.

If diabetic eye problems are not treated, proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) can develop. A blockage of blood vessels due to ischemia can lead to the growth of new abnormal blood vessels in the retina (neovascularization) and damage the retina, causing wrinkling or retinal detachment. Neovascularization can even cause glaucoma, damage to the optic nerve (the optic nerve carries images from the eye to the brain).

Symptoms ⤵
It is possible for a person to have diabetic retinopathy and not be aware of it, since the early stages of the disease often have no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms of diabetic retinopathy may include:

  • Dark spots, dots, or cobweb-like threads floating in your vision (called myodesopsias, floaters, or floaters)
  • Vision that periodically changes from blurry to clear
  • Dark areas (completely or partially) in the field of vision
  • Bad night vision
  • Colors that appear faded or different
  • Sight loss

Diabetes can cause vision changes in both eyes, even when retinopathy is not present. Rapid changes in blood sugar alter the shape of the eye's lens, blurring images. When blood sugar stabilizes, the image comes back into focus. Episodes of blurred vision can be reduced by maintaining good blood sugar control.

Careful management of diabetes is the best way to prevent vision loss. If you have diabetes, see an ophthalmologist for an annual dilated diabetic retinopathy exam, even if your vision appears normal, as it is important to detect the early stages of the disease.

By Dr. Maritza López
Specialist in Ophthalmology

IG: @DoctoraMaritzaLopez 

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