
The 3 main visual pathologies in diabetics
07 November 2024
Diabetes not only affects blood sugar levels, but can also have serious consequences for eye health. Maintaining good vision is a common challenge among diabetics, as uncontrolled glucose levels can damage the delicate blood vessels in the eyes. The 3 most common eye pathologies in people with diabetes are diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and cataracts.
1. Diabetic retinopathy
This disease occurs due to high blood sugar levels that damage the blood vessels in the retina. These vessels can become inflamed and leak fluid, or even become blocked, making blood flow difficult. In some cases, abnormal blood vessels form in the retina. All of these changes can lead to vision loss.
Some symptoms that may occur:
- increased floating spots in vision;
- changes between blurry and clear vision;
- difficulty seeing at night;
- colors perceived as dull.
2. Diabetic macular edema
Diabetic macular edema occurs when the macula thickens due to the leakage of fluids, proteins and lipids from the blood vessels of a person with diabetes, especially after several years of the disease. This problem affects the function of the macula, resulting in a decrease in visual acuity, as well as in the ability to perceive colors and contrasts.
Some symptoms:
- blurred or distorted vision in the center of the visual field;
- difficulty seeing fine details;
- altered perception of colors;
- decreased visual contrast.
Cataract
Diabetes can contribute to the formation of cataracts due to high levels of glucose, which swell the lens, causing opacity and making vision difficult. Located behind the iris and pupil, the lens is responsible for focusing objects and receives nutrients from the aqueous humor, the fluid located in the front part of the eye, which mainly provides oxygen and glucose.
Some symptoms that may occur:
- blurred or cloudy vision;
- difficulty seeing at night or in low-light conditions;
- colors that appear faded or yellowish;
- increased sensitivity to light and glare.
For people with diabetes, maintaining good eye health is essential, as diseases like these can progress without proper care. Regular checkups are key to preserving vision, so don't hesitate to schedule an appointment and prevent possible complications.