What impact can diabetes have on the eyes?
March 31, 2024 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Ammelie Niemeyer
Dear Doctor,
my name is Daniel Wunderlich and I have been suffering from diabetes for several years. Lately, I have noticed that my vision has deteriorated and I have been experiencing more eye problems. I am very worried about my eyes and I am wondering what effects diabetes can have on them.
My diabetes is well managed and I regularly monitor my blood sugar levels. Nevertheless, I am wondering if my eye problems could be related to my condition. I have heard that diabetes can lead to various eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy. I am concerned about potential damage to my eyes and I would like to know if my vision problems could be attributed to this.
Could you please explain to me what effects diabetes can have on the eyes and how I can protect my eyes from possible damage? Are there any specific tests that I should undergo to monitor my eye health? What measures can I take to preserve my eyesight and avoid potential complications?
I thank you in advance for your support and advice on this matter. Your expertise as an eye doctor is very important to me, as my eye health is of great concern to me.
Sincerely,
Daniel Wunderlich
Dear Mr. Wunderlich,
Thank you for your message and for trusting in my expertise as an ophthalmologist. It is understandable that you are concerned about your eyes in relation to diabetes, as this condition can indeed have various effects on eye health. Let me therefore answer your questions in detail.
Diabetes, especially Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus, can cause or worsen various eye diseases. One of the most common ones is diabetic retinopathy. In this condition, the blood vessels in the retina are damaged, leading to vision problems, blurred vision, and in the worst case, blindness. Another possible complication is diabetic macular edema, where fluid accumulates in the macula, the central part of the retina, and impairs vision.
To protect your eyes from potential damage caused by diabetes, it is important to have regular eye examinations. For diabetic patients, a comprehensive eye examination is usually recommended at least once a year. During this examination, the ophthalmologist will check the retina for signs of diabetic retinopathy or other eye diseases. Early signs of eye problems can be detected and treated early to avoid serious complications.
In addition to regular eye examinations, it is important to control your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels well, as high levels can increase the risk of eye problems in diabetes. A healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and avoidance of smoking can also help support your eye health.
If there are already signs of diabetic retinopathy or other eye diseases, your ophthalmologist may recommend various treatment options, such as laser therapy, intravitreal injections, or surgeries.
Overall, it is important that you take your eye health seriously and work regularly with an ophthalmologist to detect and treat potential complications early. If you have further questions or would like to schedule an eye examination, I am happy to help.
I wish you all the best for your eye health and am here to assist you if needed.
Best regards,
Ammelie Niemeyer, Ophthalmologist
