Ask Dr. K: Regular eye exams can hault vision loss in diabetics

DEAR DOCTOR K: Could you explain how diabetes affects vision?



However, a third eye problem — diabetic retinopathy — is more likely to cause severe vision loss or blindness. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when abnormal blood sugar levels damage small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensing area in the back of your eyes. The retina sends visual images to the brain.

Diabetic retinopathy begins when the walls of small blood vessels in the retina weaken. They leak fluid into the surrounding tissue, often leaving protein and fat deposits in the retina. The vessel walls also develop tiny bulges or balloons called “microaneurysms” that leak red blood cells into the retina.

As the condition progresses, the abnormal vessels begin to close, robbing the retina of its blood supply. Nerve fibers in the retina that are necessary for vision begin to die from poor circulation and lack of oxygen. (I’ve put an illustration of this process on my website, AskDoctorK.com.)

These changes may not alter your vision. But if fluid leaks into the center of the macula — the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision — your sight will be impaired. Swelling of the macula is called macular edema.

As retinopathy advances, the damaged retina tries to repair itself by sprouting new blood vessels. However, these new vessels are very fragile and don’t grow normally; they tend to leak blood and break apart. This can cause a sudden loss of vision.

Treatments can help to prevent vision loss, or slow its progression. But there is no cure for diabetic retinopathy. You’ve got to catch it early and stop it from getting worse.


Regular vision testing is also vital. Get a comprehensive eye exam once a year. These exams can detect macular edema and diabetic retinopathy in the earliest stages. Prompt treatment can help prevent severe vision loss.




Sign in to comment