Diabetes and sight problems.
High blood glucose level and high blood
 pressure may damage eyes and cause serious sight
conditions, such as retinopathy, cataract or glaucoma. Although sight problems may occur to anyone, diabetics
are more prone to them and they may present such conditions at a younger age.
Parts of the eye which can be affected.
 Retina. This is a
seven-layered lining at the back of the eye. The role of the retina is to sense light
which comes into the eye through the pupil and after it is focused and inverted by the
lens and cornea.
Vitreous. This is a thick,
transparent substance located in the center of the eye. Vitreous contains mainly water
and occupies about 2/3 of the eye's volume. In fact, the form and shape depends on the
size of the vitreous.
Lens. The lens is a
transparent, clear, flexible and adjustable structure that is located just behind the
iris and the pupil and it focuses light on the retina.
Optic nerve. The optic nerve
is the eye's main nerve that transfers signals to the brain.
Prevention of sight problems caused by diabetes.
Efficient diabetes management is the only means which can minimize or
prevent sight problems in diabetics. Control of blood glucose level by following a proper
diet and taking the relevant medication is essential.
Keeping blood pressure as
close to normal is very important too.
Regular eye tests are crucial.
In diabetics, eye tests must be done once a year, especially if the individual is over
than fifty five years of age. A pregnant woman with gestational diabetes must have her eyes checked within the
first three months of the pregnancy, even if there are not any vision problems.
Cessation of smoking may prevent sight difficulties due to
diabetes.
Cataract.
This is a medical progressive condition affecting the lens of the eye. Cataract occurs
due to accumulation of dead cells around the lens, resulting in cloudy vision.
For most people, cataract is a natural consequence of ageing and is the main cause of
impaired sight or of complete vision loss. Eye injuries, certain medications, medical
deficiencies and conditions such as diabetes and alcoholism are the major causes of
cataract.
The treatment can be successful after a laser surgery which is painless and on the very
same day the patient may return home.
Glaucoma.
Glaucoma occurs, when excessive pressure starts building up in the eye. Over time,
this pressure damages the optic nerve, causing loss of lateral sight at the very first
stage. However, glaucoma can occur with normal or even below-normal eye pressure. If
untreated, glaucoma may lead to blindness.
People beyond the age of fifty five years and diabetics must have sight tests regularly,
since glaucoma may be present without symptoms for a long period of time, before it gets
noticeable. Meanwhile, the damage of the optic nerve may occur progressively. It has to
be mentioned that the damage is irreversible. Medications and laser surgery can assist in
slowing the progression of the disease but there is no means to cure the permanent
consequences of glaucoma.
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