We all know that there are various risks to diabetes. While problems like weight loss can be caused in the earlier stages, there are a few like blindness which is more worrisome.
Over a period of time, diabetes can lead to damage to the whole body. This does not even leave out the retina. In case you do not know, the retina is the layer that is present on the back of one’s eye. It helps us, humans, in capturing images and sends the said images in the form of nerve signals directly to the brain. This situation will occur is something that cannot be said. It depends on how high the blood sugar levels actually are. The eyes can also be affected if the blood sugar levels have been higher than a target range for a significant amount of time.
What Are The Other Reasons That May Cause Blindness Due To Diabetes?
There are a few other factors that increase the risk for blindness due to diabetes, also called Diabetic Retinopathy. These include:
- High blood pressure
- Pregnancy
- Heredity
- Kidney disease
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
What Are The Major Causes Of Blindness In People With Diabetes?
People with diabetes may have any of the 3 types of conditions listed below:
- Diabetic Retinopathy
When it comes to Diabetic Retinopathy, one can surely have damages to their retina. And when the retina is damaged, the eye’s ability to capture visuals or visual information is impaired as well.
This is very much preventable by some of the most obvious methods. You can keep a check on your blood sugar levels and control them. It is a must to keep the blood pressure control as well. Regular eye exams are also good to keep you updated about the situation with your eye and detect the problem, if any, at an earlier stage.
- Glaucoma
Glaucoma is mainly caused to people due to the increasing pressure in the eye. The pressure is usually of the abnormal kind. This condition damages the optic nerve, and also results in causing damage to your retina. It is known to be one of the leading causes of blindness for people who have crossed the age of 60.
One of the best ways to prevent this condition is to have regular eye exams. These will help in checking the disease and also detect it at an earlier stage that may also help with preventing it by taking necessary measures.
- Cataracts
A cataract occurs when a cloud forms in the lens of one’s eye. These develop over time and happen to the specific part of the eye which has a very significant role in one’s vision. This part is responsible for concentrating the light on the retina. This causes the eye to see things blurry, less colorful, or hazy, depending upon the severity of the condition.
One can prevent cataracts by adopting measures like protecting the eyes from X-rays or ionizing radiation and sunlight or UV radiation. Keeping a check on one’s blood sugar levels is also a key preventative measure that could be adopted.
How Can Blindness Due To Diabetes Be Treat?
The blindness caused due to diabetes is majorly has the early stages and later stages. In the early stages, a person suffering from it can take preventative measures. These preventative measures have to be taken after detecting the major cause of the issue.
The later stages involve going in for surgery. There are options like laser surgery for eyes that people can opt for to get a clear vision.
Diabetes, when thoroughly studied, is not really just avoiding certain foods like sugar. But, also about getting oneself a balanced diet. This will definitely help in not only keeping one’s blood sugar levels in check but also help them lead a healthier life. These also help with certain other causes of blindness as well while having diabetes.
One can even take advice from their doctor to get professional help in preventing or treating the problem. This will ensure that a person gets the facts and the correct solutions from well-learned healthcare professionals. Regular visits and checkups with a doctor are a must to keep oneself up to date in terms of their health.