Last Updated on January 8, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Ajit John (67) has been battling diabetes for 25 years. His twin brother, too, is grappling with the same disease. The Kolkata-based brothers already had cataract, and soon after the cataract surgery, they were advised to take anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors) injections to stop the worsening of diabetic retinopathy. It is one of the most common eye diseases experienced by diabetics. Johns’ were already showing some symptoms of diabetic retinopathy and cataract surgery, in some cases, is believed to aggravate the condition. The cataract surgery can put additional stress on the eyes and can lead to macular edema, progressive retinopathy, and limited vision.
Diabetes leaves Long-term effects on Eyes
Diabetes, a metabolic condition, not only affects blood sugar but also manifests through ocular issues. The eyes become vulnerable battlegrounds for those grappling with diabetes. Over a period of time, diabetes can damage the eyes, cause vision loss, and even cause blindness. Diabetic retinopathy, eye infections, macular edema and glaucoma are the most common eye diseases, according to Dr. Haleema Yezdani, a Bangalore-based diabetologist.
In diabetic retinopathy, the retina’s blood vessels are destroyed by high blood sugar levels. The blood vessels become swollen and begin to leak, resulting in stopping the blood flow and blurring the eyesight. Diabetic retinopathy patients may have symptoms such as floaters, spots or dark shapes in their vision, difficulty seeing colors, black or empty spaces in their vision, or even vision loss. “About 10-20% of people suffering from diabetes face eye health challenges. Retinopathy is an unforgiving damage. The repair isn’t easy to correct so what we always advise is preventive care, which means regular check-ups. We advise patients to do a retinal check-up every six months,” says Dr. Yezdani.
Eye health challenges
The retina, the eye’s nerve, is a key target for diabetic damage, along with the kidneys, heart, and peripheral nerves, according to Dr. Sandeep Suresh Patil, Consultant – Ophthalmology, Sakra World Hospital.
“Diabetic Retinopathy refers to microvascular damage occurring in the retina due to diabetes, with nearly 50% of diabetics developing some form of it after 20 years,” he adds.
Retinopathy, in turn, leads to more diseases. Diabetics battling retinopathy are prone to macular edema, which can cause vision loss in patients.
“Diabetic macular edema involves nerve swelling in the crucial visual center region called Macula, leading to a significant vision decrease, often prompting a visit to the eye hospital. Retinal hemorrhages, hard exudates, and neovascularization are various manifestations of diabetic eye disease, sometimes leading to further complications like vitreous hemorrhage, vitreomacular traction, and retinal detachment,” shares Dr. Patil.
This condition responds well to intravitreal anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors) injections. The ophthalmologist reveals that injections act by reducing vascular permeability, inhibiting CNV, alleviating macular edema, and improving visual activity. “These injections are administered monthly based on the OCT report (Optical Coherence Tomography), typically given when macular edema exceeds 275 micrometers and involves the center. Needless to say, effective diabetic control is crucial for optimal results,” Dr Patil shares.
Preventive Measures
Health experts recommend preventive care so that the diseases can be managed at a nascent level and not allowed to amplify. Mumbai-based diabetologist Dr. Almas Fatma underlines a few remedial actions. “Go for regular eye check-ups. Annual comprehensive eye examinations are recommended for early detection and intervention. It’s important to control blood sugar. Controlling hypertension is essential, as high blood pressure can exacerbate diabetic retinopathy,” says Dr. Fatma, who also specializes in telehealth.
She goes on to suggest lifestyle modifications such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, including dietary modifications, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking. Intravitreal injections, laser therapy, or surgical interventions may be employed in advanced cases to manage diabetic retinopathy and DME (Diabetic macular edema).
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