SEO Title: Understanding Diabetic Eye Disease: Types, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips
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Diabetes impacts nearly every part of the body, but one area that is often overlooked is the eyes. In 2021, researchers estimated that around 9.6 million people in the U.S. with diabetes also suffer from an eye disease known as diabetic retinopathy.
The study also found that 1.8 million of these individuals had a severe form of the disease that could harm their eyesight and lead to blindness. What’s even worse is that these eye health issues are continuing to rise.
This is why every November, we observe Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. In this post, we’ll break down exactly what diabetic eye disease is and discuss its different types. We’ll also share ways to reduce your risk and preserve your eye health.
What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes are at risk of developing. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes.
Over time, this damage can lead to serious eye complications that impact vision. In severe cases, it may even cause blindness.
One of the leading causes of blindness for those living with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. Though total blindness is rare, there’s a 5% to 20% chance that someone with diabetic retinopathy may become legally blind within five years of developing the condition.
With this statistic in mind you’re probably wondering, “Why do people with diabetes suffer from severe eye conditions?”
Diabetics are at risk because high blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Over time, this damage can lead to fluid buildup, blurred vision, or abnormal blood vessel growth.
Without proper diabetic care and eye exams, you may become at risk of developing one of these conditions.
Types of Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic eye disease includes several conditions that can impact vision. Each one affects the eyes in unique ways, and diabetics are at risk of developing one or more of these conditions over time.
Diabetic Retinopathy
This is one of the most common and serious diabetic eye problems. It occurs when high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina.
As these vessels weaken, they can swell, leak, or close off completely. In more advanced stages, new blood vessels may grow abnormally in the retina. Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
DME is a complication of diabetic retinopathy. It occurs when fluid builds up in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed, central vision.
Swelling within this area can cause blurred or wavy vision affecting everyday tasks. The condition makes it difficult to read, drive, or recognize faces. DME can develop at any stage of diabetic retinopathy and requires timely treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
Cataracts
People with diabetes are five times more likely to develop cataracts than those without diabetes. Cataracts can cause blurry, faded, or yellowed vision and often develop at a younger age in people with diabetes. Although cataracts can be treated with surgery, they still pose a significant risk for vision impairment in diabetic patients.
Glaucoma
A condition that diabetics are 48% more likely to develop than non-diabetics is open-angle glaucoma. It occurs when increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve. If left untreated, the condition can lead to gradual vision loss.
These types of diabetic eye disease highlight the importance of proper diabetes management. If you need guidance on how to lower your blood sugar levels, read our post here.
Early Warning Signs
Diabetic eye disease often develops gradually and may start without noticeable symptoms. This is why it can be difficult to detect without regular eye exams.
However, as these conditions progress, some symptoms may begin to appear. Recognizing these early warning signs can help prevent serious vision loss:
- Blurred or Distorted Vision: Vision may become blurry to the point that it’s hard to perform everyday tasks.
- Floaters: Small spots or “floaters” that drift across your field of vision.
- Dark or Empty Spots: Some people may notice dark spots or empty areas in their vision, which can indicate that parts of the retina aren’t receiving enough blood flow.
- Difficulty Seeing Colors: Colors may appear faded or washed out.
- Sudden Vision Changes: Any sudden changes in vision, like flashes of light or severe blurriness.
If you noticed any of these warning signs of diabetic eye disease, contact your doctor immediately. It’s also recommended for diabetics to receive an yearly exams to maintain proper eye health.
Preventing Diabetic Eye Disease
The best part about Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month is the focus on prevention. There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing eye diseases and protect your eyesight:
- Maintain healthy blood sugar levels
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol
- Schedule regular eye exams
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle
- Avoid smoking
- Manage stress levels
Also, B vitamins can support nerve health and overall metabolic function, providing benefits to your eye health. Try our Benfotiamine Multi-B supplement for extra support for your eyes and diabetes management.
Save Your Sight: Be Proactive this Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month
Support Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month by being proactive in your eye health. Go to your eye exams and take care of your health to prevent these eye diseases.
Maintaining good eye health is essential for diabetics, as they are more likely to develop . Understanding the risks associated with diabetic eye disease can empower you to take proactive steps in caring for your eyes.
Become more empowered in caring for your overall health by using Benfotiamine supplements. Never run out with our auto-shipping services and stay on top of your regime for optimal health.