Diabetes and glaucoma together create a serious risk for long-term vision loss if not detected and treated early. Every year, the number of new diabetes cases increases. While many know that diabetes causes issues with blood sugar, not as many people know how diabetes impacts eye health. The impact of diabetes on eye health is especially damaging when it causes glaucoma. Having both conditions can result in blindness unless one is proactive in defending against further sight loss.
Knowing how diabetes can result in eye health issues, and then seeing Eye doctors for glaucoma, can help preserve sight and improve eye health.
Diabetes and Eye Health
The eye is one of many parts of the body that diabetes damages blood vessels. High blood sugar weakens blood vessels and increases pressure in the eye. This leads to damage to the optic nerve that is critical for sight.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you are an adult with diabetes, you are almost 2 times more likely to develop glaucoma than an adult without diabetes. The World Health Organization also lists diabetes as one of the most common causes of vision loss, in relation to how prevalent diabetes is. This worsening of vision and loss of sight is why it is critical to both take care of diabetes and stay on top of eye health issues.
Why Glaucoma Treatment Is Crucial When Diabetes and Glaucoma Coexist
Diabetic Glaucoma Treatment
The main focus of glaucoma treatment is reducing the pressure inside the eyes and preventing any additional damage to the optic nerve. For diabetic patients, this is even more critical because their eyes are more susceptible to complications.
In these cases, the eye specialist may recommend:
- Prescription eye drops
- Laser treatment
- Surgery, if it is severe
Success rates significantly rise when the diagnosis is made sooner rather than later. The National Eye Institute (NEI) reports that with early detection, it is possible to avoid up to 90% of cases that result in severe vision loss.
When there is good control over the diabetes, along with consistent treatment for glaucoma, the patient is able to slow the progression of the diseases and maintain their vision.
The Signs that Diabetic Patients Must Not Ignore
The development of glaucoma is slow and can even be painless. Most people see symptoms appear only after the damage is done. Because of this, diabetic patients need to be especially careful and look for symptoms that include:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Eye pain or pressure
- Eye redness
- Halos around lights
- Sudden vision loss
In order to avoid irreversible damage, regular eye exams with eye specialists for glaucoma help in order to see these warning signs.
Searching for a Glaucoma Specialist in Mumbai
As a metropolitan city, Mumbai has a vast array of healthcare options and specialists. A Glaucoma doctor in Mumbai offers testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
Available testing and treatment options include:
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)
- Visual Field Test
- Tonometry (eye pressure measurement)
Diabetic patients can rely on specialists to personalize treatment and monitor their conditions effectively.
Managing Glaucoma with Medical Care and Healthy Habits
While treatment is vital, adopting better daily practices can help preserve eyesight. Diabetic patients can aid in Glaucoma treatment by:
- Keeping blood sugar levels stable
- Maintaining healthy blood pressure
- Eating nutrient-rich foods
- Regular exercise
- Smoking cessation
According to Harvard Medical School, proper glucose control reduces the chance of acquiring eye diseases associated with diabetes. Protecting your eyesight can be accomplished with small, everyday changes.
Why Eye Exams Matter for Patients with Diabetes and Glaucoma
Skipping eye checkups is a common practice among many individuals. For those with diabetes, however, this practice is dangerous. Early stages of glaucoma, for example, may show no signs or symptoms.
These eye exams assist eye doctors for glaucoma in identifying eye nerve damage and pressure shifts that are a feature of glaucoma. Major vision loss can be prevented with timely care.
Taking Control of Your Eye Health Today
The combination of diabetes and glaucoma can pose a serious threat to your vision. Ignoring one of the two can lead to devastating and irreversible loss of eyesight. But with early detection and professional treatment from glaucoma specialists, patients can enjoy years of good eyesight.
The best way to work on your vision with diabetes is to make a glaucoma eye doctor appointment, manage your blood sugar, and keep regular eye checkups. For our urban patients, a glaucoma doctor in Mumbai has the most up-to-date technologies.
To ensure that your vision will be good tomorrow, you must take care of your eyes today. Always focus on keeping your eyes healthy.