How Does Diabetes Impact Vision?
Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of ophthalmic diseases that can result as a complication of diabetes including diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma. Both glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can result in vision loss or even blindness if left untreated.
What are the Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease?
Most patients don’t experience symptoms during early stage diabetic retinopathy. For this reason, annual dilated eye exams are critical in detecting and stopping the progression of these debilitating diseases in diabetics. When symptoms are present, they fall into various categories of vision loss.
How are Patients Tested For Diabetic Eye Disease?
Optometrists and ophthalmologists use a variety of diseases to screen patients for diabetic eye disease. One of the most insightful tests is a dilated eye exam, in which the pupil is dilated, allowing the doctor to examine the inside of the patient’s eye. This screening is quick and painless and a normal component of a comprehensive eye exam.
What Treatments are Available For Patients With Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic retinopathy is treated with laser surgery. Although the procedure won’t restore lost vision, it can significantly reduce the risk of going blind. Cataracts are treated by surgically removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. Glaucoma can be treated with medications or surgery.
How Often Should Diabetic Patients Have a Comprehensive Vision Exam?
Diabetic patients should ensure that they see their eye doctor at least once per year. Because blindness is a real risk of diabetic retinopathy and the disease doesn’t have symptoms during its earliest phases, periodic eye exams are critical in preserving vision for diabetics.
Can Vision Problems Occur Even in Patients With Well-Controlled Diabetes?
Patients with well-controlled diabetes are less likely to develop the disease than brittle diabetics or patients with uncontrolled diabetes. Diabetics can reduce their risk of diabetic eye disease and consequential vision loss by maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, staying physically active, and consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
What is the Prognosis For Patients With Diabetic Eye Disease?
Patient prognosis is very individualized based on the state of progression of the disease and the patient’s overall health condition. Many diabetics can preserve their vision by scheduling annual appointments with their eye doctor and making healthy lifestyle choices. When diabetic eye disease remains undiagnosed for an extended period, prognosis declines.
