Diabetes mellitus and vision
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar.
In diabetes, it is possible to develop damage to the eye fundus, specifically the retina, which is called diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy
Over time, high blood sugar levels damage the retinal vessels and the permeability of their walls, which leads to a disruption in the supply of nerve cells with blood and oxygen, developing pathological changes in them. At the next stage, this is accompanied by an irreversible progressive decrease in vision.
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy
At the initial stage, diabetic retinopathy is often asymptomatic, but as the disease progresses, the symptoms become more and more noticeable. It is characterized by:
- Blurred vision;
- Decreased color perception and visual acuity;
- Spots floating in the field of vision;
- Dark and empty areas;
- Difficulty reading;
- Difficulty looking at objects.
Diagnosis of the disease
When visiting an ophthalmologist to diagnose the disease, the following is performed:
- Determination of visual acuity;
- Measurement of eye pressure;
- Examination of the optical layers, lens and vitreous body;
- Examination of the eye fundus, optic nerve, central and peripheral retina.
High-tech computerized examinations are important for a complete assessment of the clinical condition:
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT);
- Fluorescence angiography.
Treatment methods
Treatment methods depend on the severity of the condition.
In the early stages of diabetes, to slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy, it is necessary to regulate blood sugar levels and control blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The next stage of treatment includes injections of anti-VEGF drugs (to reduce swelling and prevent the growth of new blood vessels), laser therapy (to treat blood vessels), and surgery (vitrectomy, to remove blood and scar tissue).
For the patient to preserve his vision for a long time, it is necessary to regularly conduct appropriate examinations to reduce the risks of disease complications.
