Reviewed by: Dr. Ritu Budania
Disclaimer: Informative, not prescriptive.
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that affects how your body handles sugar from food. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it properly, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Uncontrolled diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels, this damages the small blood vessels in the eyes. This causes blurry vision and, if left untreated, even blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the part of the eye that senses light. It can lead to vision loss if not managed properly.
There are two types: early and advanced. Advanced diabetic retinopathy can lead to complications like glaucoma and permanent vision loss.
Diabetes can also cause other eye problems like diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma, all of which can affect our vision.
Image Source: freepik.com
To protect your vision, it's important to manage your diabetes well with medicines, diet, get regular eye check-ups atleast once a year, and control your blood pressure and cholesterol. Treatment may involve medications, laser procedures, and lifestyle changes.