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The high concentrations of circulating glucose in the blood common in untreated diabetes can lead to the development of changes in vision, which can be noticed initially through the appearance of some signs and symptoms such as blurred and blurred vision and pain in the eye.
As glucose levels increase, it is possible that there will be progression of changes in vision, and there may be the development of diseases that require more specific treatment such as glaucoma and cataracts, for example. In addition, there is also a risk for people with decompensated diabetes to develop irreversible blindness.
Thus, to avoid the complications of vision that can happen in diabetes, it is important that the treatment of diabetes is done according to the recommendation of the endocrinologist and that glucose levels are monitored regularly. In this way it is possible to prevent not only changes in vision, but other complications related to diabetes. See what are the most common complications of diabetes.
The main eye complications caused by diabetes are:
1. Macular edema
Macular edema corresponds to the accumulation of fluid in the macula, which corresponds to the central area of the retina that is responsible for vision. This alteration, among other causes, can happen as a consequence of untreated diabetes and lead to decreased visual capacity.
How is the treatment: The treatment for macular edema is done with the use of eye drops indicated by the ophthalmologist, in addition to the possibility of laser photocoagulation in some cases.
2. Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by the development of progressive lesions in the retina and blood vessels present in the eye, which can cause difficulty in seeing and blurred vision. These lesions are formed as there is an increase in circulating glucose levels and, therefore, in more diabetes cases, it is possible that there will be hemorrhage, detachment of the retina and blindness.
How it is treated: Diabetic retinopathy can be treated by performing and photocoagulation with an argon laser and vitrectomy. However, the best way to combat diabetic retinopathy is through the treatment of diabetes.
Learn more about diabetic retinopathy.
3. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disorder that happens due to increased pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to loss of vision as the disease develops.
How is the treatment: The treatment for glaucoma should be done with daily use of eye drops to lower the pressure in the eye, however the ophthalmologist may indicate, in some cases, the performance of laser surgery.
See more about glaucoma by watching below:
4. Cataract
Cataract is also an eye disease that can happen as a consequence of diabetes and happens due to the involvement of the lens of the eye, which makes the vision more blurred and can lead to progressive loss of vision.
How is the treatment: The treatment for cataracts should be recommended by the ophthalmologist, and surgery is usually indicated to remove the lens from the eye and replace it with an ocular lens that reduces vision changes. See what cataract surgery is like.
5. Blindness
Blindness can happen when the person has uncontrolled diabetes and when the changes in vision presented by the person are not investigated. Thus, there may be progressive eye injuries that can result in permanent loss of vision, with no treatment to reverse the condition.
What to do if you suspect a visual change
If the person finds that during the day he has some difficulty reading, feels pain in his eyes or if the person gets dizzy at certain times of the day, it is important to take the blood glucose measurement to check the blood glucose levels circulating, then the most appropriate treatment was determined to maintain normal blood glucose levels.
In addition, it is advisable to consult the ophthalmologist so that all necessary examinations are performed to identify any ocular complications early. The best way to deal with this situation is to find out what you have right away and start the appropriate treatment because the complications of diabetes in the eyes can be irreversible and blindness is a possibility.