According to Dr. Priyamvada Bhasin, Medical Director and Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, Eye and retina Specialist, Ratan Jyoti Netralaya, Gwalior, diabetes not only affects blood sugar levels but can also damage many organs in the body, including the eyes. If not properly controlled, diabetes can cause serious eye complications.
The impact of diabetes on eye health
Diabetes can cause many eye problems if not well controlled. Common complications include:
cataracts: Diabetes increases the risk of early cataracts, causing blurred vision.
Diabetic retina: High blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina, leading to blurred vision and possibly blindness.
hyperopia: Diabetes increases the risk of hyperopia, which affects the optic nerve and can cause permanent loss of vision.
Dry eyes: Diabetes reduces the ability to produce tears, causing discomfort and increasing the risk of infection.
Eye infections: Weak immune system in people with diabetes increases the risk of eye infections.
How to prevent
Control blood sugar: Maintain stable blood sugar levels with medication and a healthy diet to prevent diabetic retinopathy.
Regular eye check-ups: Check your eyes every year for early detection of complications, especially for type 1 and 2 diabetes patients.
Control blood pressure and cholesterol: Reduce blood pressure and cholesterol to protect eye health.
Exercise: Regular exercise helps improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of eye damage.
Wear sunglasses: Protect your eyes from bright light and UV rays to reduce the risk of eye disease.
Note
Dr. Priyamvada Bhasin says that diabetes can cause many problems for eye health, but if you take reasonable precautions, you can protect your eyes and maintain healthy vision. Regular eye check-ups, maintaining stable blood sugar levels, controlling blood pressure and exercising regularly are important factors in preventing eye damage. Consult your doctor and ophthalmologist for proper eye health care.
