Mechanisms of diabetes-induced eye problems
The mechanism by which diabetes causes eye problems is relatively complex. Long-term high blood sugar levels can damage eye microvessels, causing endothelial cell dysfunction and increased vascular permeability. Free radicals produced by oxidative stress can damage eye tissues and trigger a series of pathological changes.
The inflammatory response also plays a key role in this, as it can activate vascular endothelial cells, promote the expression of adhesion molecules, and aggravate microvascular damage.
In addition, abnormal angiogenesis may cause the new blood vessels to be fragile and easy to rupture, leading to serious problems such as retinal hemorrhage.
Common symptoms of diabetes-related eye diseases
Visual impairment
The visual impairment of diabetic patients varies. Some may only have a slight decrease in vision and see things a little blurry;
When the condition is serious, the patient may experience blurred vision, as if there is a layer of fog in front of the eyes and unable to clearly distinguish the outlines of objects.
Some patients also have visual field defects, such as darkness or loss of part of the visual field.
Worse still, some patients may develop blindness, plunging the entire world into darkness.
Other symptoms
In addition to vision problems, diabetes can cause other eye symptoms.
Eye pain, eye swelling and pain.
Metamorphosis: Originally square objects may appear distorted.
Abnormal color recognition.
Cataracts: a common comorbidity of diabetes.
Prevention and treatment
Preventive measures
1. Strictly control blood sugar and blood pressure.
- Check your fundus regularly and develop good living habits.
Perform fundus examinations regularly, at least once a year, to facilitate early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Pay attention to eye protection.
Avoid prolonged exposure to strong light and wear sunglasses when outdoors. Pay attention to eye hygiene and do not rub your eyes with your hands.
Treatment
- Drug treatment, such as absorbable fluorine drugs, light scattering agents, etc.
These drugs can help improve eye metabolism and blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and slow the progression of the disease.
- Laser treatment can effectively control the progression of the disease.
By irradiating the diseased area with laser, abnormal blood vessels can be blocked, bleeding and exudation can be reduced, and further deterioration of the disease can be prevented.
- Injection therapy to inhibit angiogenesis and other lesions.
Injecting specific drugs into the eye, such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs, can inhibit the formation of new blood vessels and reduce retinal edema.
- Surgical treatment is for severe lesions.
When eye disease is severe, such as retinal detachment, surgery is required to save vision.
The close relationship between diabetes and eye problems
The duration of diabetes and blood sugar control are closely related to the development of eye diseases. Generally speaking, the longer the duration of diabetes, the higher the risk of eye diseases. For example, 10 years after the onset of diabetes, the prevalence of retinopathy can reach 60%, and after 15 years of diabetes, this probability reaches 80%.
Poor blood sugar control will greatly increase the risk of eye complications. If you are in a state of high blood sugar for a long time, it is easy to cause retinopathy, glaucoma, optic nerve atrophy and other eye problems.
On the contrary, good blood sugar control can significantly reduce the risk of eye complications. Stable blood sugar levels can reduce damage to microvessels, slow the progression of eye diseases, and provide protection for eye health.
Call for attention to the eye health of diabetic patients
The severity of diabetic eye complications cannot be ignored, but they are often ignored by patients. Complications such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma will not only seriously affect the patient’s vision, but may even cause blindness, greatly reducing the patient’s quality of life.
However, in reality, many patients do not pay enough attention to early screening, and often wait until their vision is significantly reduced before seeking medical treatment, when the condition may have become more serious. We urge patients to pay attention to early screening and have an eye examination in a timely manner after being diagnosed with diabetes.
Regular check-ups are also crucial, and patients should not relax their vigilance just because their vision has not changed in the short term. Patients should strictly follow the doctor’s instructions for treatment and must not increase or decrease the dosage or interrupt treatment on their own.
At the same time, it is urgent to improve the diagnosis and treatment capabilities of primary medical institutions. Primary medical institutions should strengthen the configuration of ophthalmic medical equipment, improve the professional level of medical staff, and provide more convenient and accurate eye examination and treatment services for diabetic patients.
Only when patients themselves pay attention to it and medical institutions actively improve their capabilities can the eye health of diabetic patients be better protected.