5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Eyes & Vision

So according to the World Health Organization, over 422 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes. That’s a lot of people! As the population continues to grow and age, it’s estimated that the number of people with diabetes will rise to 642 million by 2040. Of those people, it’s estimated that around half will develop some form of diabetic eye disease.

Before we dive in;

At Welling Homeopathy Clinics, we have a specially formulated Homeopathy treatment protocol to control blood sugar and insulin resistance without the need for life long medications and future complications. See our specialist for a detailed assessment of your current state and treatment of diabetes.

So, what are some of the ways that diabetes can affect your eyes and vision? Let’s take a look,
1. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. When you have diabetes, your blood vessels can become damaged. This damage can cause leaks or blockages in your retina—the lining at the back of your eye that senses light and helps to send images to your brain—which can eventually lead to vision loss or even blindness.
2. Diabetic macular oedema is another common complication associated with diabetes. When the tiny blood vessels in your retina become blocked, they can leak fluid into the center of your macula—the part of your retina responsible for central vision—causing it to swell. This can result in blurred or distorted vision.
3. Glaucoma is yet another complication associated with diabetes. High levels of blood sugar can damage the nerve fibers in your eye, which can lead to increased pressure in your eye and eventual vision loss.
4. Cataracts are very common in people with diabetes. In fact, people with diabetes are 2-5 times more likely to develop cataracts than those who don’t have the disease. A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye that can cause blurred or dimmed vision.
5. Dry eye syndrome is also more common in people with diabetes. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or if your tears evaporate too quickly, it can lead to dryness, irritation, and inflammation—all of which can be quite uncomfortable.
If you have diabetes, it’s important to be aware of the potential complications that can affect your eyes and vision. Diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eye syndrome are all possible complications associated with the disease—so be sure to see an eye doctor regularly for checkups! And remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
See our specialist for a detailed assessment of your current state and treatment of diabetes.