Everyone with diabetes is at risk of losing vision. As diabetes becomes more prevalent so do associated complications. To keep your vision sharp, you’ll want to take great care of your health to avoid problems related to diabetes.
Diabetic retinopathy happens as a direct result of chronic hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose), causing damage to retinal capillaries, leading to capillary leakage and blockage. It may also lead to loss of vision and eventually blindness in some cases.
Diabetes may cause conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, loss of focusing ability and double vision.
Diabetic retinopathy is the primary cause of vision loss in working-age adults (20-65 years). Approximately one in three people with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy and one in ten may develop a vision threatening form of the disease.
Managing diabetes goes a long way to manage diabetic retinopathy. Further diabetes management includes controlling blood pressure, blood glucose and lipid levels. This can be achieved by encouraging a fit – healthy lifestyle and medication as required. Improved control can slow the progression of eye disease, especially when initiated soon after diabetes is diagnosed.
