Diabetes Eye

Diabetes and Eyes

Diabetes is perhaps the most common systemic disease that involves the eye in the long run. It is, however, also true that if diabetes is strictly controlled with regular dieting, exercising and periodic check-ups under the guidance of a physician the eyes can remain healthy. Also, if no other ailment like hypertension or heart disease, etc., exists, a diabetic can continue to have good eyesight for lifetime. Uncontrolled diabetes, associated with high blood pressure and general disorders, may affect the eye in the long run.

Uncontrolled diabetes of more than eight to ten years’ duration is said to affect the eye. The commonest manifestation in the eye is retinal hemorrhages, due to leaks of blood vessels. The second common condition is cataract (refer to chapter on cataract for its relation with diabetes), and the third is a marked change in the spectacle power. All the three complications lead to loss of sight.

Diabetes is detected by blood tests for sugar-fasting blood sugar (empty stomach) and post-pyramidal done two hours after the meal. Urine examination for sugar is always necessary, glucose tolerance curve is another test done after giving glucose by mouth.