Diabetes is often associated with the heart, kidneys, and nerves, but the eyes can also be severely affected. This damage doesn’t occur suddenly; it progresses gradually and painlessly, only becoming apparent when the situation becomes unmanageable. This is why it’s crucial to understand it and take timely precautions. Let’s share what a doctor has to say about this.
According to Dr. Nusrat Bukhari, “Diabetes affects not only the heart, kidneys, liver, and nerves, but also the eyes.” Many people realize this only when the problem has already progressed. The eye works like a camera, with the retina, the back layer, capturing images and transmitting them to the brain. This retina contains very fine blood vessels. When blood sugar levels remain high for a long time, these vessels begin to weaken, swelling, leaking, or even blockage. In some cases, the body creates new blood vessels, but these are extremely fragile and can cause significant damage.
This condition is called diabetic retinopathy. It can gradually worsen without any initial symptoms and is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. Diabetes can also cause other eye problems. Eye problems caused by diabetes include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. According to Dr. Nusrat Bukhari, “People with uncontrolled diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of these problems.” Importantly, the early signs of these diseases often go unnoticed.
This is why many people feel normal until the problem becomes serious. When symptoms appear, they can include blurred vision, dark spots before the eyes, difficulty seeing at night, and sudden changes in vision. Dr. Bukhari warns that eye problems can develop without any obvious signs and subsequently lead to stress and anxiety. Diabetes also creates a chain reaction in the body. High blood sugar, combined with high blood pressure and cholesterol, worsens the situation. Smoking also reduces oxygen supply, further damaging the eyes. Therefore, the effects can vary from person to person.
However, the good news is that proper care can prevent or reduce this damage. Keeping blood sugar under control, getting regular checkups, eating a balanced and fiber-rich diet, engaging in daily physical activity, and reducing stress are essential. Additionally, eye exams should be done at least once a year, even if vision appears normal.