All people with diabetes are at risk of developing eye disease that can permanently damage their vision and even lead to blindness. In fact, individuals with diabetes that have not been treated are 2-5 times more likely to lose their sight than the general population.
Diabetics are more likely to develop eye disease such as cataracts or glaucoma (read more about the most common eye diseases and treatments written by an ophthalmology clinic based in Shanghai, China), but their principal threat to vision is diabetic retinopathy, which is damage to the retina.
Here are the most common eye disease risk factors related to diabetes:
1. Duration of the Disease The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the chance of eye disease. Virtually everyone who was diagnosed with diabetes before age 30 has diabetic retinopathy within 15 years of their diagnosis. About three quarters of those who are diagnosed after age 30 have diabetic retinopathy within 15 years of diagnosis.
2. Blood Sugar Control Poor blood sugar control is one of the main causes of eye disease from diabetes. If you have diabetes, you can lower the risk of vision loss by carefully monitoring and controlling blood sugar levels. You may be able to slow the onset and progression of retinopathy and decrease the need for surgery by controlling blood sugar levels through a healthy diet, insulin and other drugs.
3. Smoking Quitting smoking can reduce risk for diabetic related eye disease
4. Alcohol Alcohol and diabetes are a dangerous combination for many reasons, including an increased risk of diabetic eye therapy.
5. Aspirin Doctors frequently recommend that people with diabetes take a daily aspirin to help lower their risk of heart and circulatory disease. Aspirin does not appear to increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy. People with diabetes should feel comfortable taking aspirin as recommended by their doctor.
6. Hypertension High blood pressure increases the risk of eye disease, as well as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. It may be necessary to change diet and exercise habits or take medication to keep blood pressure under control.
7. Pregnancy While scientists are still unsure why pregnancy seems to increase a woman’s risk of developing, or accelerating, diabetic retinopathy. Pregnant women with diabetes should see their eye doctor during their pregnancy.
8. Renal Disease Kidney disease is a major complication of diabetes. The earlier kidney disease is diagnosed, the better. Individuals through diabetes must have their urine tested frequently for early signs of kidney disease.
Bonus Advice: Both Type I and Type II diabetes are serious diseases, and can lead to the same kinds of complications, including diabetic eye disease. But people with diabetes can take several steps to stay well. Most important are eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining close control of blood sugar levels, and learning as much as possible about living with diabetes.
