Diabetic retinopathy is responsible for 2.6% of global blindness cases. Individuals with diabetes are prone to eye complications and peripheral neuropathy due to metabolic changes associated with high blood sugar levels, which can damage blood vessels and nerves.
In the eye, this damage can lead to conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, where blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive part of the eye) are harmed. This vascular damage can cause diabetic macular edema, vitreous hemorrhage, and retinal detachment, all of which may impair vision and sometimes lead to blindness if left untreated. Peripheral neuropathy affects nerves, particularly in the legs and feet, leading to numbness, pain, and occasionally serious infections. Early management of blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication can help reduce these risks over time.
Can diabetes cause blindness?
Yes, diabetes can lead to blindness in some patients. The primary cause is diabetic retinopathy, a condition where elevated blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina. Patients with early-stage diabetic retinopathy are often asymptomatic, but over time, progressive damage can result in vision loss if untreated.
Other eye conditions, such as cataracts (clouding of the lens) and glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), are also more common in individuals with diabetes and can affect vision. For this reason, it is recommended that patients with diabetes visit an ophthalmologist at least once a year for regular eye examinations to prevent disease progression and ensure timely treatment to avoid vision loss or blindness. It is crucial to note that controlling blood sugar levels and other comorbidities is essential to prevent disease progression and protect vision.
How common are eye problems among diabetic patients?
Eye problems are very common among individuals with diabetes. Statistics show that approximately 30% of adults over 40 with diabetes develop diabetic retinopathy, which accounts for nearly 7.7 million people in the United States alone. This number is expected to rise to about 14.6 million by 2050.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that diabetic retinopathy accounts for 2.6% of global blindness cases, currently affecting approximately 2.2 million people. In addition to diabetic retinopathy, individuals with diabetes are 2-5 times more likely to develop cataracts. About 20% of diabetics are diagnosed with cataracts at the time of their diabetes diagnosis.
Diabetic patients are also twice as likely to develop glaucoma compared to non-diabetics, with around 5% of diabetic patients experiencing glaucoma. These statistics underscore the importance of regular eye examinations and proper diabetes management to prevent and treat these common eye issues.
Why should diabetic patients undergo annual eye exams?
The American Diabetes Association reports that nearly all individuals with Type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with Type 2 diabetes will develop some form of diabetic retinopathy within 20 years of their diagnosis. This highlights the critical importance of annual eye examinations for diabetic patients.
Many diabetes-related eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, are often asymptomatic in their early stages. Regular eye exams are essential as they enable doctors to detect and treat issues before they progress to more severe complications, including blindness. Annual check-ups are crucial for monitoring changes in eye health and ensuring timely interventions to safeguard vision. Continuous eye care, combined with effective blood sugar management, is vital for preserving vision in individuals with diabetes.
Additional considerations by Dr. Wissam Sharafeddine
Specialist in Retinal and Cataract Diseases, Barraquer Eye Hospital – UAE
It is essential to note that the risk of developing eye complications varies based on diabetes type (Type 1 vs. Type 2), disease duration, blood sugar control, hypertension, high cholesterol levels, kidney problems, pregnancy, and prior eye surgeries.
For Type 1 diabetes, retinal issues are rare at diagnosis but occur in more than 90% of cases after 15 years. In Type 2 diabetes, retinal complications are present in 20% of cases at diagnosis but rise to 60% after 15 years.
Studies like the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) indicate that strict blood sugar control (HbA1c around 7%) reduces retinopathy by 76% in Type 1 diabetes and 25% in Type 2 diabetes. Strict blood pressure control also lowers vascular damage by 37%.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness in working-age groups, with a 20-fold increase in blindness cases. This impacts not only the quality of life for young individuals but also the broader community. Early detection allows for less invasive treatments such as laser therapy or injections, while late detection may necessitate surgical interventions like vitrectomy.
Based on recommendations, annual eye exams are advised for individuals without retinal lesions. If lesions are present, exams should be more frequent as guided by the ophthalmologist. Exams should include best-corrected visual acuity, dilated eye examination by a retinal specialist, and additional tests like fundus photography or optical coherence tomography (OCT) as needed for detailed information.
Dr. Elisa Carreras Bertan
Specialist in Retinal and Vitreous Diseases
