Diabetic Eye Disease

Overview

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common type of eye problem related to diabetes. It happens when the tiny blood vessels in the back of your eye, called the retina, get hurt or blocked. When this occurs, your retina doesn't get enough of what it needs to work well – like oxygen and nutrients. This leads to swelling and bleeding in your eye, which can make your vision blurry or even cause you to lose sight sometimes.

Another problem is cataracts. Think of them like a foggy window over your eye. They form when the clear part of your eye becomes cloudy, making your vision all blurry. People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting cataracts compared to those without diabetes.

Then there's glaucoma, which happens when the pressure inside your eye gets too high and damages the nerve that helps you see. If you don't treat glaucoma, it can make you lose your vision. People with diabetes are more likely to get glaucoma.

Diabetic macular edema is a bit different. It's when liquid builds up in the part of your eye that's responsible for sharp, central vision. This can also lead to vision problems. People with diabetes have a greater risk of getting this condition too.

What are the symptoms of diabetic eye disease

1. Blurred vision

2. Difficulty seeing at night

3. Poor color vision

4. Double vision

5. Fluctuating vision

6. Seeing spots or floaters

7. Loss of peripheral vision

8. Eye pain or redness

What can I do to protect my eyes?

1. Wear sunglasses: Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.

2. Wear protective eyewear: Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or engaging in activities that could cause eye injury.

3. Have regular checkups: Have regular eye exams to check for any vision problems or diseases.

4. Quit smoking: Smoking has been linked to several eye diseases, so quitting can help protect your eyes.

5. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables can help keep your eyes healthy.

6. Limit screen time: Too much time spent in front of a computer or phone screen can cause digital eye strain, so take breaks from screens throughout the day.