Diabetic Eye Disease: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
What are the symptoms of diabetic eye disease?
Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that can affect people with diabetes. These problems can lead to vision loss or blindness if not detected and treated early. Symptoms of diabetic eye disease may vary depending on the specific condition, but they can include:
- Blurred Vision: Blurred vision can occur as a result of swelling in the macula (macular edema) or changes in the shape of the lens of the eye (cataracts).
- Floaters: Floaters are spots or dark strings that appear to float in the field of vision. They may be a sign of bleeding in the eye (vitreous hemorrhage).
- Fluctuating Vision: Vision may fluctuate or change in response to fluctuating blood sugar levels.
- Poor Night Vision: Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions or at night can be a symptom of diabetic retinopathy.
- Vision Loss: Vision loss, including partial or total loss of vision, can occur if diabetic eye disease is left untreated.
- Dark or Empty Areas in Vision: This may be a sign of advanced diabetic retinopathy.
- Eye Pain or Pressure: Pain or pressure in the eye can occur in some cases, particularly if there is a complication such as glaucoma.
It’s important for people with diabetes to have regular eye exams to detect diabetic eye disease early, when treatment is most effective. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are new or worsening, it’s important to see an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam.
What are the causes of diabetic eye disease?
Diabetic eye disease is primarily caused by high blood sugar levels over time, which can damage the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The main causes of diabetic eye disease include:
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. This can lead to swelling (macular edema), the growth of abnormal blood vessels, and bleeding in the eye (vitreous hemorrhage).
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): DME occurs when high blood sugar levels cause swelling in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. DME can lead to blurred vision and vision loss if not treated.
- Cataracts: People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye that can cause blurred vision. High blood sugar levels can accelerate the development of cataracts.
- Glaucoma: Diabetes increases the risk of developing glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. High blood sugar levels may contribute to the development of glaucoma.
- Other Factors: In addition to high blood sugar levels, other factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and smoking can increase the risk and severity of diabetic eye disease.
Managing blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, as well as quitting smoking, can help reduce the risk of developing diabetic eye disease. Regular eye exams are also important for detecting and managing diabetic eye disease early, when treatment is most effective.
What is the treatment for diabetic eye disease?
The treatment for diabetic eye disease depends on the specific condition and its severity. Some common treatments for diabetic eye disease include:
- Medications:
- Anti-VEGF Injections: These medications are injected into the eye to help reduce swelling (edema) and prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina.
- Steroid Injections: Steroids can also be injected into the eye to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Steroid Implants: Tiny steroid implants can be placed in the eye to release medication over time.
- Laser Treatment: Laser treatment (photocoagulation) can be used to seal leaking blood vessels in the retina or to shrink abnormal blood vessels. Laser treatment can also be used to treat macular edema.
- Vitrectomy: In severe cases of diabetic retinopathy, a vitrectomy may be performed. This surgical procedure involves removing the vitreous gel from the eye to allow for better visualization and treatment of the retina.
- Cataract Surgery: If cataracts develop as a result of diabetic eye disease and impair vision, cataract surgery may be necessary to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens.
- Management of Underlying Conditions: Managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels is important for preventing and managing diabetic eye disease. Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking, can also help.
- Regular Eye Exams: Regular eye exams are important for monitoring diabetic eye disease and detecting any changes early, when treatment is most effective.
It’s important for people with diabetes to work closely with their healthcare team, including an eye care professional, to develop a treatment plan that meets their individual needs. Early detection and treatment of diabetic eye disease can help prevent vision loss and preserve vision.