Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : November 7, 2017 4:35 PM IST
Did you know a quarter of the world s blind population is estimated to be in India, about 12 to 15 million? And if things don't change, it is bound to increase, as diabetes is one of the leading causes of loss of vision in India. Dr Ajay Aggarwal, Senior Consultant, Department of Endocrinology, Fortis Hospital, New Delhi explains in detail about the effect of diabetes on eyes and why regular eye check-up is important. Here's detailed information on how diabetes affects your eyes and what you can do to control vision loss.
What's the effect of diabetes on eyesight?
Uncontrolled Diabetes can affect the eyes and vision in a number of ways. The most significant complication that can cause blindness in people with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes may also cause frequent fluctuations in vision, cataract at a younger age, Glaucoma, decreased vision due to the involvement of optic nerve, temporary paralysis of the muscles of eyes and thus double vision.
Diabetic retinopathy is a term used for abnormalities of the small blood vessels of the retina caused by uncontrolled diabetes. The early form of diabetic retinopathy may not lead to any decrease in vision or symptom. If the care is not taken, then eventually the blood vessels close off. As the disease progresses, new blood vessels form. These vessels are quite fragile and bleed into the eyes causing severe vision problems and blindness. The other risk factors for diabetic retinopathy are high blood pressure, anaemia, kidney diseases, and pregnancy. Also read 8 tips from an ophthalmologist to prevent vision loss.
Why do you need to do a regular eye check-up?
It is very important to realize that good blood sugar control; regular and timely check-up, proper testing and eye care can often save vision by up to 90%.
The retina can be badly damaged before any noticeable change in vision; therefore it is essential to have periodic evaluation of eye by an ophthalmologist. Pupils need to be dilated with eye drops, so that ophthalmologist may have a good look at the back of the eye. When eye checkup is done annually, a doctor is able to notice retinopathy in the early stages. In this stage, the condition is easily treatable. Women with diabetes who are pregnant should have a comprehensive eye examination in the first trimester and close follow-up throughout pregnancy. Here's more on eye care tips for diabetics.
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