Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels remain chronically high, but its effects are felt throughout the body. The eyes, in particular, are very delicate organs, and there is a risk of vision loss if the damage caused by diabetes progresses.
In particular, "blurred vision" is a complication of diabetes mellitus.diabetic retinopathyor macular edema may be a sign. This article describes the relationship between diabetes and the eye, the risks of neglect, and testing for prevention and early detection.
How Diabetes Affects the Eyes
In diabetes, high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina. The retina is like the film in a camera, and any abnormality in this part of the retina directly affects vision.
Major eye diseases caused by diabetes include
- diabetic retinopathy
One of the three major complications of diabetes. In the early stages, there are no subjective symptoms, but as the disease progresses, it can lead to vision loss and blindness. In Japan, it is the leading cause of blindness among adults. - diabetic macular edema
Swelling of the central part of the retina (macula) causes symptoms such as distorted vision and blurred vision. - cataract (opacity in lens of eye)
High blood sugar can cause the lens to become cloudy. Surgery is required in advanced stages. - glaucoma
Diabetics are reported to be at increased risk of developing the disease.
Note if symptoms of "blurred vision" appear.
When "blurred vision" is caused by diabetes, the following mechanisms are possible
- Distended lens due to hyperglycemia, resulting in lack of focus
- Photoreceptor function is impaired due to impaired retinal blood flow
- Visual loss due to macular edema
- Blurred vision or black shadows due to bleeding (flying mosquitoes)
The point is that the disease is likely to have progressed by the time symptoms appear.This means. In the early stages, there are no symptoms and it can only be detected by examination.
What happens if it progresses?
Symptoms and treatment of diabetic retinopathy vary according to the stage of progression.
- Simple retinopathy (early stage): small hemorrhages or bulges in small blood vessels
- Pre-proliferative retinopathy (mid-term): Vascular occlusion widens and oxygen-deficient areas increase.
- Proliferative retinopathy (end stage)Neovascularization: neovascularization causes vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment.
In the terminal stage, surgery (vitrectomy) is necessary, but recovery of vision becomes difficult.
Prevention and Early Detection
1. periodic fundus examination
If you are diagnosed with diabetesFundus examination at least once a yearis recommended.
Fundus examination is the only method that allows direct observation of the back of the eye to check the condition of the retina and blood vessels.
At Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic,High-precision fundus camera rarely introduced outside of ophthalmologyis installed in the hospital and can be evaluated on the same day as the examination. This allows early detection of complications even for those who cannot take the time to visit an ophthalmologist.
2. management of blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipids
Retinopathy can progress not only with hyperglycemia but also with hypertension and lipid abnormalities.
It is important to control the disease through a combination of lifestyle modification and drug therapy.
3. exercise therapy
Proper exercise improves blood sugar control and blood flow.
Our diabetes specialists and exercise guidance staff work together to propose safe and effective exercise programs.
Symptoms that should be seen as soon as possible
- one's vision becomes blurred
- Objects appear distorted
- Black dots or lint-like shadows (flying mosquitoes) in the visual field
- Sudden loss of vision.
If you have any of these symptoms, do not leave it untreated and get it checked out immediately.
Features of this hospital
- Medical care by a diabetes specialist: Comprehensive evaluation of the overall condition of the body and the eyes
- Equipped with fundus camera: Check for retinopathy in the hospital.
- Introduction of Exercise TherapySupporting blood glucose control and complication prevention
- Comprehensive Inspection SystemNephropathy and neuropathy can be checked at the same time.
summary
Eye diseases caused by diabetes often do not produce symptoms in the early stages and are advanced by the time they are noticed.
The symptom of "blurred vision" is likely a sign of this condition, and early consultation is of the utmost importance.
We focus on early detection of complications and prevention of their progression by utilizing our diabetes specialists and fundus examination equipment.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, or if you notice any changes in your vision, please contact us.
Diabetes Series - Related Article List
1. Know the basics of diabetes
- What is Diabetes - Why does blood sugar rise? Causes and Mechanisms Explained
Introduces the root causes of diabetes, including "insulin resistance," "heredity," and "lifestyle," which are all related to the development of diabetes, in an easy-to-understand manner. - Early Symptoms of Diabetes - Don't Miss the Early Detection Signs
Early signs that are difficult to recognize, such as thirst, polyuria, and weight loss, are carefully explained. - Diagnostic criteria for diabetes - Difference between HbA1c, blood glucose and OGTT and latest criteria
It summarizes the numerical values used for diagnosis and the key points of the recently revised diagnostic criteria. - Diabetes Testing - Comprehensive evaluation of blood, urine, and even complications
Introduction to the comprehensive examination system available at the Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic, including fundus examination, ABI, and carotid artery echocardiography.
2. Treatment and lifestyle modification
- Diabetes Treatment - Protecting Blood Sugar and Blood Vessels with Diet, Exercise, and Medication
Explains treatment strategies to "prevent complications" rather than "lower the numbers. - Diabetes Diet - Control Blood Sugar Effortlessly with Locavore
A practical diet that emphasizes how to eat, not what not to eat. - Diabetes and Exercise - Muscle is Medicine! The Science of Aerobic x Muscle Training
The benefits of exercise to directly lower blood sugar and how to create an easy to follow exercise routine. - Drug Therapy for Diabetes Mellitus - Latest Treatment Policies and Multi-Drug Approaches
The characteristics of DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 agonists are compared, and the latest treatment trends are presented.
3. To prevent complications
- Complications of diabetes - Complication measures to remember with "shimeji" and "enoki" mushrooms
The six major complications of neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, gangrene, stroke, and cardiac disease are explained together. - Neuropathy due to diabetes - Mechanisms and countermeasures for numbness and pain in hands and feet
Early signs of peripheral neuropathy and ways to improve life that should be done early. - Diabetes and Renal Dysfunction - Importance of Urine Albumin Testing and Habits to Protect
Practical approaches to reduce the burden on the kidneys and prevent dialysis. - Diabetes and Eye Disease - Causes of Blurred Vision and Early Detection of Retinopathy
Explains how fundus camera examinations work and the risks of neglect.
4. Prevention and early intervention
- Prevention of Diabetes - Reduce blood sugar waves and make your body less prone to diabetes.
Introduces diet, exercise, and sleep regimens to "get in shape before it happens," rather than "fix it after it happens. - Characteristics and constitution of people prone to diabetes - Self-check that you can do now
Early intervention is recommended by sorting out the risk of developing the disease, including heredity, fatty liver, and lack of exercise.
5. Our features and support system
- Lifestyle-related disease treatment at Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic - Cross-cutting management of diabetes, MASLD, hypertension and dyslipidemia
Includes a comprehensive evaluation system including physician supervised exercise therapy, locavore diet support, fundus, ABI, and carotid artery echocardiography.