Diabetes ranks among the swiftest and most prevalent systemic disorders, marked by symptoms like polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss. But what about its impact on eye health?
Understanding Diabetes: Diabetes, a metabolic condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, can wreak havoc on vital organs like the eyes, kidneys, and heart.
Types of Diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Resulting from minimal or absent insulin production, necessitating insulin therapy.
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The most common form, associated with high blood sugar levels, managed through lifestyle modifications.
Insulin Function: Secreted by pancreatic beta cells, insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels.
Effects on Eye Health: Diabetes poses a plethora of ocular complications, including diabetic retinopathy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, glaucoma, and cataracts.
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR): This leading cause of blindness stems from retinal changes induced by high blood sugar levels, alongside factors like heredity, smoking, and hypertension.
DR Risk Factors:
- Duration of Diabetes: The longer the duration, the higher the risk. Symptoms and Signs: Blurry vision, distorted vision, black spots, and vision loss are common symptoms, while retinal hemorrhage is a telltale sign.
DR Classification:
- Non-Proliferative DR: Stages include mild, moderate, and severe, each marked by distinct retinal changes.
- Proliferative DR: Characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels on the retina, potentially leading to vision loss.
Optometric Management of DR: Treatment focuses on controlling diabetes and its risk factors, aiming to halt the progression of vision-threatening complications. Options include laser therapy, steroids, eye injections, and surgery.
In summary, understanding the effects of diabetes on eye health underscores the importance of early intervention and comprehensive management strategies.