On World Diabetes Day, health professionals are highlighting the critical role of routine eye examinations for individuals living with diabetes, a condition that significantly increases the risk of vision loss. Diabetes, a chronic disease where the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels effectively, can lead to severe complications, including diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness among adults.
Dr. Kaushik Solanki, a cataract and refractive surgeon with over 14 years of experience and co-founder of Eye & U Kenya, emphasizes that early detection of diabetic eye diseases, particularly diabetic retinopathy, can prevent irreversible damage. Diabetic retinopathy often progresses silently, showing no symptoms in its early stages. Only regular eye exams can identify it before it becomes advanced, making early intervention critical.
“Anyone diagnosed with diabetes should prioritize regular eye check-ups,” Dr. Solanki advises. He explains that diabetes initially affects the retina, which can provide valuable information about a person’s overall vascular health.
The Silent Threat of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy occurs in three stages: background diabetic retinopathy, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In the first two stages, patients may not notice any changes in their vision. However, if left undetected and untreated, the disease can progress to the third stage, which is marked by vision problems caused by blood vessels leaking blood, fat, or fluid into the retina. At this point, irreversible damage can occur.
“The disease can be arrested or slowed down in the early stages with regular check-ups,” Dr. Solanki notes. “If detected early, diabetes-related eye diseases can be managed effectively, but once it reaches the advanced stage, it is much harder to restore vision.”
Cataracts and Other Eye Complications
Diabetes also accelerates cataract formation, with individuals with diabetes developing cataracts earlier than the general population. This happens due to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which cause excess fluid to accumulate in the lens of the eye. Fortunately, cataracts are treatable, often through simple surgery that can restore vision.
However, more severe diabetic eye complications, like diabetic retinopathy, are much harder to manage. In advanced stages, treatment options may include retinal laser therapy or anti-VEGF injections to treat macular oedema (swelling in the retina), or vitrectomy surgery to address severe bleeding or scarring in the eye.
The Role of Lifestyle and Early Detection
Dr. Solanki also stresses the importance of lifestyle factors, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and controlled blood sugar levels, in preventing diabetic eye diseases. “A sedentary lifestyle, combined with poor eating habits, can significantly increase the risk of developing diabetes,” he explains. “Exercise for at least 45 minutes a day and a healthy diet are key to reducing this risk.”
For individuals over 40, it is recommended to get blood sugar levels checked annually. Those with a family history of diabetes should begin annual screenings from the age of 35.
Collaboration Between Eye Health Professionals and Primary Care Providers
Dr. Solanki advocates for stronger collaboration between ophthalmologists and primary care providers to ensure diabetes patients receive timely eye screenings. He also announces a free eye screening initiative at Eye & U Kenya between November 18 and November 24, encouraging those at risk to take advantage of this opportunity.
“The sooner we detect diabetic eye conditions, the more effective we can be in managing them and preventing long-term damage,” he says.
With increasing awareness around diabetes and its complications, including eye diseases, experts urge individuals living with diabetes to prioritize their eye health and seek regular screenings to safeguard their vision.
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