How Diabetes Affects Eye Health? See What Experts Say

Diabetes, especially when poorly managed, substantially elevates the chances of encountering various eye-related issues collectively known as diabetic eye diseases.

Diabetes And Eye Health

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Diabetes and eye health share a delicate relationship, often requiring meticulous attention and management. Diabetes, especially when poorly managed, substantially elevates the chances of encountering various eye-related issues collectively known as diabetic eye diseases. These include the retina, optic nerve, lens, and the blood vessels. The most significant of these is diabetic retinopathy – a malady impacting the retina's blood vessels which can culminate in blindness if left untreated.

But before that, let us know how diabetes affects eyes?

How Diabetes Affects Eyes?

Dr Deepti Mehta, who is a Consultant-Ophthalmology, at CARE Hospitals Hi-Tec City, Hyderabad said, "Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. Diabetes affects the eyes as soon as it knocks at our door. The patient does not even realise that he has diabetes, and he faces blurred, cloudy visions due to water retained in layers of the eyes. Frequent changes in glass prescription are noticed."

She further went on to list the ways in which diabetes affects eyes:

• Recurrent episodes of boils around the lid margins called Stye can be the first presenting feature of diabetes in the eyes
• The cornea becomes very dry and lustreless due to a dry eye state. It can be prone to recurrent allergies and infections like corneal ulcers owing to the decreased corneal sensitivity.
• Diabetes affects the clear crystalline lens of our eyes causing Cataracts. The lens goes on absorbing water, sugar, alcohol, and sorbitol due to increased Aldose Reductase making the lens opaque. Patients experience decreased vision for distance. Night driving gets problematic especially because of glare and scattering of light.
• Diabetes causes changes in aqueous humour dynamics which leads to a higher risk of Glaucoma A silent thief of sight. The eye pressures go high and dry the nerves that connect the eye to the brain leading to a total painful blind eye. The patient presents with recurrent pain around the eyes, coloured haloes, and blurred vision.
• Diabetes affects the small blood vessels that supply the Retina the light-sensitive layer which imparts all vision sensation. This is the deadliest complication of diabetes Due to constant hyperglycaemia the blood vessels of the retina get loose and damaged. They start leaking blood, proteins, and cholesterols. This condition is called Diabetic macular oedema. The patient does not even realise the build-up which suddenly presents with not being able to recognise faces and the central part of everything he sees.
• In due course of time, diabetic vascular occlusions result wherein the blood vessels get blocked causing oxygen deficit in the retina. The retina in quest of obtaining oxygen starts forming blood vessels. These blood vessels are abnormal, can be vulnerable, and are prone to damage and severe bleeding very rapidly. This stage is the proliferative stage of diabetic retinopathy. The patient can experience blurred vision, dark clouds floating in front of eyes and flashes of light.
• A further advancement to the constant high sugars and abnormal blood vessels causes thick membranes and tractional ties to the retina which eventually pulls at it and causes retinal detachment. This stage of retinopathy is not reversible and is a major cause of sight-threatening outcomes in diabetic patients.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Dr. Ajay Sharma who is the Chief Medical Director of EyeQ said, "Diabetes, if not properly managed may lead to a number of eye problems. One prevalent condition among them is diabetic retinopathy, affecting the retina, the light-sensitive tissue situated at the rear of the eye. Elevated glucose levels can harm the minute blood vessels within the retina, potentially leading to vision impairment or, if disregarded, blindness."

"Furthermore, diabetes heightens the probability of developing cataracts and glaucoma, which can further deteriorate eyesight. In cases where women with diabetes become pregnant or develop gestational diabetes, the risks are even more pronounced. Regular eye check-ups, early detection, and effective diabetes management can help reduce the likelihood of these eye complications. Ensuring stable blood sugar levels, controlling hypertension, and adopting a healthy lifestyle constitute essential preventive measures. In advanced stages of diabetic eye disease, timely intervention such as laser therapy or surgery may become necessary for treatment," he added.

Importance Of Regular Eye Screenings For People With Diabetes:

Dr. Siddarth Sain, who is a Senior consultant at Sharp Sight Eye Hospital said, "Given these covert developments, regular eye screenings are paramount for individuals with diabetes. Such routine examinations facilitate the early identification and treatment of vision-threatening conditions."

"Many of the eye conditions associated with diabetes can be mitigated with stringent blood sugar management, timely monitoring, and intervention. Recent advancements in the medical sphere, including innovative surgical procedures like laser treatments and vitrectomies, have considerably curtailed the risk of permanent vision loss," he added.

Ayurvedic Tips To Safeguard Your Eyes From Diabetes-Related Complications:

Dr. Vikas Verma, who is the Director, of Shashvat Ayurveda, Chandigarh said, "Diabetes is a chronic disease that can cause a variety of health problems, including problems with the eyes. Some natural medicines and practices can help protect the eyes from diabetes-related issues in the ancient holistic healing system of Ayurveda. You may support eye health and preserve your ability to see clearly by implementing these Ayurvedic principles into your regular activities."

 

1. Balanced Diet (Ahara):

 

A balanced diet is rich in all the necessary nutrients and minerals for the body. In Ayurveda, it is essential to include foods abundant in antioxidants and vitamins necessary for eye health like leafy greeny vegetables, carrots, and berries.

 

2. Herbal Remedies (Aushadhi):

 

A number of medicines available in Ayurveda are known for their positive effect on vision. Triphala is formed by the blend of three fruits which is prized for its rejuvenating effects on the eyes. Regular consumption of Triphala can help avoid diabetes-related eye issues.

 

3. Eye Exercises (Vyayama):

 

To strengthen eye muscles and improve circulation, specific eye exercises are encouraged by Ayurveda like rubbing palms and placing them in your closed eye, which helps ease the strain and revive drained eyelids.

 

4. Netra Basti:

 

Netra Basti is an ayurvedic treatment under which warm, medicated oil is gently into a structure that resembles a dam and is placed around the eyes. This therapy aids in nourishing the eyes, easing dryness, and lowering inflammation - problems that diabetics frequently experience.

 

5. Stress Management (Vihara):

 

One of the main reasons for diabetes-related eye issues is stress. Adopt techniques that help to enhance healthy blood flow to the eyes as well as mental peacefulness.

 

6. Adequate Sleep (Nidra):

 

To maintain good health for your eyes, get enough sleep. Ayurveda holds that a restful night's sleep enables the body to heal and regenerate. Always take adequate sleep of 7-9 hours to keep your eyes healthy.

 

7. Trataka:

 

Concentrating on a single point like the flame of a candle in the meditation process of trataka is good exercise for keeping eyes healthy. This improves focus and develops the health of the eye muscles. Regular sessions of tratak can aid in preventing diabetes vision problems. 

How Green Nutrition Helps To Maintain Diabetic Eye Health:

As the world zooms in on advanced healthcare methodologies and technologies, sometimes, the most powerful remedies are derived from nature itself. Such is the potential of green nutrition, a burgeoning topic of interest among nutritionists and health experts. 

In this regard, Dr. Rimpika Mahajan, who is a Senior Consultant, at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals said, "Green nutrition encapsulates a diet teeming with leafy greens, fresh vegetables, wholesome legumes, crunchy seeds, and nutrient-dense nuts. Beyond their evident culinary appeal, these foods, enriched with antioxidants, essential vitamins, and minerals, play a pivotal role in warding off various ailments. The spotlight today, however, is on their underexplored potential against the detrimental complications of diabetes."

She also went on to list how green nutrition aids diabetic eye health:

• Rich in antioxidants: Consuming greens like spinach, kale, and collards isn't just a gastronomic delight. They act as fortresses, loaded with antioxidants, fighting off oxidative damage. Such oxidative stress, a consequence of unchecked blood sugar levels, can wreak havoc on the retina. Greens may very well serve as the protective barrier against this.
• Low glycemic index: Any diabetic would testify to the importance of balanced blood glucose. Low glycemic foods such as lentils, beans, and a spectrum of vegetables ensure a moderated glucose release. A diet replete with these foods can be instrumental in sidestepping the myriad complications of diabetes.
• Vitamin C boost: Think of green vegetables, and a host like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and green bell peppers come to mind. Apart from their culinary versatility, they are storehouses of vitamin C. Regularly partaking in this vitamin bounty might dramatically reduce the odds of developing cataracts, a recurrent visual impairment among diabetics.
• Richness of Omega-3: Not limited to the verdant spectrum, but omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in seeds such as flax and chia, command attention for their eye health benefits. Their role in vascular health maintenance in the eyes can't be stressed enough.
• Blood pressure regulation: Elevated blood pressure is a known adversary, amplifying the risks associated with diabetic retinopathy. Greens, rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium, contribute to a balanced blood pressure profile. This dual action—combating both diabetes and hypertension—can be crucial in holistic eye health.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]