Although diabetes primarily impacts blood sugar regulation, it also has an impact on multiple organs of the body, including the eyes. Individuals suffering from diabetes-related vision problems should keep a close watch on the symptoms and get in touch with their healthcare provider. In this blog, we will explore the diagnosis and treatment of vision issues associated with diabetes.

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis is the key to preventing vision troubles caused by diabetes. Here are a few tests that can help you diagnose eye diseases:

• Comprehensive Eye Exam: Regular consultation with an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam is essential for the early detection of diabetic eye diseases. The check-up may range from asking you to identify letters on an eye chart to complex tests like using digital imaging devices to see and evaluate tiny blood vessels or dilating the pupils to get a clear view of the retina. 
• Retinal Imaging: Advanced tools such as retinal imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are used to obtain detailed images of the retina. This allows healthcare professionals to identify abnormalities, such as diabetic retinopathy.
• Visual Acuity Testing: A standard eye chart is used to assess visual acuity, where the healthcare provider measures the ability of the eye to differentiate shapes and details of objects at a given distance. Changes in visual acuity may indicate diabetic eye complications like macular edema (swelling in a part of the retina).
• Tonometry: This test measures the pressure inside the eyes (intraocular pressure). It is essential for detecting glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve.

Treatment

Treatment of eye diseases depends on the severity of the condition. A few treatment options opted by healthcare professionals are mentioned below: 

• Blood Sugar Control: Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial for preventing and managing diabetes-related vision problems. Your endocrinologist or healthcare provider can help you develop a personalised diabetes management plan.
• Medications: Depending on the specific eye condition, medications such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections or steroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling, control blood vessel growth, and manage inflammation.
• Laser Therapy: Laser treatments, like photocoagulation and panretinal photocoagulation, are used to seal or shrink abnormal blood vessels in diabetic retinopathy. It can help prevent further vision loss.
• Surgery: In advanced cases, surgical interventions like vitrectomy may be necessary to remove scar tissue or blood from the eye.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact diabetes management and eye health. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

Diabetes-related vision troubles are a significant concern. Although,  with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many complications can be managed or even prevented. Regular eye examinations and proactive diabetes management are essential for preserving vision and overall eye health for individuals living with diabetes. 

Consult Apollo's Expert Diabetologists