Dubai (Web Desk): A medical report claimed that lack of insight along with delay in the diagnosis of diabetes and improper management often leads to eye disorders.
Despite the rising trends in awareness, diabetes is still highly under-diagnosed disease. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has compiled a report which highlights that one in two adults with diabetes are un-diagnosed.
According to the report, several people are not aware of the threats diabetes poses to their eyesight. In fact, very few people are aware that diabetes can cause blindness. Regular eye checkups are important for early diagnosis and timely management of diabetes-related problems.
The most common condition caused by diabetes that affects the eye is Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) which leads to blindness amongst working-age adults. The main problem of this condition is that it generally goes unnoticed until the loss has occurred.
Another eye condition caused by diabetes is Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) that is often a consequence of DR. If left untreated, this condition causes swelling inside the retina. DME commonly causes blurred vision, floaters or waviness of vision.
Cataract is mainly caused due to increased glucose levels in the eye lens leading to its clouding. It may either appear at an early age or progress faster amongst people suffering from diabetes.
Glaucoma affects the optic nerve that transmits images to the brain and is generally a result of increased pressure inside the eye. Hazy or blurred vision, pain in the eyeball, headache, nausea, appearance of coloured circles while looking at bright light are a few symptoms of glaucoma.
Healthy diet and regular physical activity will ensure that you lead a disease-free life. Sincere changes towards improving your lifestyle, including dietary habits, can keep the disease away.
