Vision and diabetes. Deterioration and loss of vision in diabetes mellitus: symptoms of disorders, treatment and recovery. Types of diabetic retinopathy
Diabetes is a complex pathology of a long period, which is dangerous with serious complications. Eye diseases in diabetes mellitus are late complications of the disease. The changes that occur in the eye are affected by the location of the problem, as well as the severity of the development of the process. As a rule, all its parts are subject to pathological changes to a greater or lesser extent.
Causes of visual impairment in diabetes
High sugar in the body leads to gradual deterioration of the veins, arteries and capillaries, which negatively affects the functionality of the eyes.
The elasticity of old vessels collapses, and the new ones that change them are fragile. In a diabetic, the volume of fluid in the body increases, which negatively affects the lens, it darkens. There are cases when diabetes becomes more complicated, but vision does not fall. This situation persists until the complete wear of the blood vessels responsible for the ability of the eye to see. The disease can negatively affect vision and manifests itself at an early stage in the development of diabetes. Vision loss in diabetes occurs for several reasons:
- cloudy lens;
- increased intraocular pressure;
- vessels of the eyeball are affected.
Types and symptoms
If a person with type 1 disease abuses alcohol and cigarettes, then he may develop vision problems.
In type 1 disease, deterioration in visual function occurs more often than in type 2. In the first case, vision may deteriorate sharply due to diet deviation, cigarette and alcohol abuse. Against the background of the second type of disease, visual impairment occurs earlier than the main pathology is diagnosed, which led to deterioration. The development of diabetes provokes various complications. The main disorders with the eyes in diabetes mellitus are:
- cataract;
- glaucoma;
- retinopathy.
diabetic retinopathy
An exacerbation associated with damage to venules (small vessels) against the background of diabetes mellitus is called. Diabetic retinopathy causes visual impairment leading to blindness. The duration of the course of the disease can provoke pathology. In patients with type 1 (initial stage), retinopathy develops infrequently, the retina is affected during the progression of the disease. Vision in type 2 diabetes worsens with the onset of diabetes, the process can be stopped only by controlling the level of sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure.
Pathology develops painlessly and almost asymptomatically. It is worth paying attention to the following symptoms of ophthalmology, indicated in the table:
If retinopathy is detected at the background stage, then surgical treatment can still be avoided.
It is considered the initial stage in the development of pathology. Changes in the fundus of the eye in diabetes mellitus are minor. They affect small vessels (capillaries, veins). Despite the damage to the vessels, the vision was not lost, therefore, with careful control of the sugar level, it is possible to stop the growth of the disease and avoid surgical intervention.
Maculopathy
Damage is associated with the growth of painful blood vessels and is serious. A characteristic feature is the formation of blood clots that burst. Hemorrhages are observed in a critical area called the macula, where light receptors are concentrated. Recovery is possible only by surgery.
proliferative
Violation of the supply of oxygen to the blood vessels of the eye becomes the cause of the development of pathology. New vessels that cover the back wall of the organ become thinner, clogged and structurally modified, hemorrhages occur. The changes are painful, vision deteriorates sharply, if the process is not stopped, blindness occurs. And the proliferation of connective tissue leads to the fact that the retina exfoliates. The accumulation of fluid in the eye leads to an increase in eye pressure. Vessels, nerves wear out, which causes development. At the initial stage, a person does not suspect anything, there are no symptoms. At later dates, clarity sharply decreases, there is a feeling of looking through the fog. A diabetic feels a headache, his eyes are watery and sore. Without special treatment, glaucoma leads to complete loss of vision.
It is well known that diabetes mellitus is the most common disease of the endocrine system. Every year, the number of diabetic patients is threateningly increasing and in the near future 500 million people in the world will be considered diabetic. This disease primarily affects the blood vessels of the brain, kidneys, retinas of the eyes, heart, and legs due to high levels of glucose in the blood. The situation is complicated by the fact that patients usually go to the doctor too late, when diabetes mellitus is already aggravated by dangerous complications that are difficult to treat and can lead to death.
All pathological changes in the body in diabetes mellitus are due to an increased content of sugar (glucose) in the patient's blood. In a diabetic, the process of assimilation of glucose by body cells from the blood is disrupted either due to a lack of the hormone insulin (type 1 diabetes mellitus) or due to a weakening of the effect of insulin on the patient's tissues (type 2 diabetes mellitus).
Since the retina is a very complex, delicate and sensitive formation as thick as newsprint, it is often the first to suffer from the deterioration of the choroid in diabetes. Therefore, the optometrist is often the first doctor to raise the alarm about the possible presence of diabetes in his patient. In diabetics, the manifestations of their underlying disease in relation to the eyes are so diverse that many doctors, for convenience, combine them under one term “eye diabetes”.
Eye Diabetes Symptoms
Diabetes interferes with normal functioning immune system, which also affects the eyes: diabetics often have inflammatory processes in the eyes - blepharitis, keratitis, conjunctivitis, iridocyclitis, barley, etc. Moreover, these diseases are treated difficult and for a long time. Often there are complications with negative consequences for the eyes (for example, trophic ulcers or clouding of the cornea).
However, the biggest threat to vision in diabetics is diabetic retinopathy- the most dangerous disease that affects the retinas of the eyes and threatens with complete blindness if the patient does not seek medical help. How quickly this disease develops largely depends on the type, severity and duration of the course of diabetes mellitus, on whether diabetes is accompanied by hypertension, atherosclerosis and obesity.
Just as hypertensive retinopathy (read more about it in) is caused by damage to the retinal capillaries due to high blood pressure, the cause of diabetic retinopathy is the destruction of the retinal capillary network due to increased concentration of glucose in the blood.
Learn more about diabetic retinopathy and its treatment in this video:
Diabetes mellitus also provokes the development of "ordinary" eye diseases that also affect people with normal blood sugar levels, such as glaucoma and cataracts.
If a person has diabetes, the risk of developing glaucoma it increases by 4-5 times in comparison with healthy people. In glaucoma, the outflow of intraocular fluid from the eye is disturbed, as a result of which intraocular pressure rises. At first, the patient does not feel this increase in pressure, but at a certain stage, pain appears in the eye, and vision begins to weaken rapidly due to atrophy of the optic nerve.
Very clearly and accessible about glaucoma and its treatment is described in this video:
Diabetes is a factor that increases the risk of developing cataracts 3-5 times. Cataract is characterized by a gradual clouding of the lens of the eye due to a violation of metabolic processes in it. At the same time, less and less light enters the eye, the patient's vision weakens and becomes clouded up to complete blindness.
In the following video you will find a more complete explanation of cataracts and their surgical treatment:
Eye Diabetes Treatment
As you saw in the videos posted above, the most effective method treatment of the most dangerous manifestations of eye diabetes (diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts) involves one or another method of surgical intervention. Moreover, a positive outcome of such treatment is possible only when the mentioned diseases are at the initial stages of their development.
In addition, eye surgeons perform appropriate operations only on the condition that the diabetic patient, together with their endocrinologist, were able to compensate for diabetes mellitus, that is, they brought blood glucose levels back to normal with the help of a special low-carbohydrate diet, physical activity and hypoglycemic drugs. Otherwise (even after a successful operation), excess blood glucose will continue to destroy the delicate eye tissues, dooming the diabetic to complete blindness.
Generally speaking, then successful prevention and effective treatment any complication of diabetes(whether it affects the eyes, liver, kidneys, nervous or cardiovascular system) impossible without keeping blood sugar levels within safe limits.
What are the ways to lower sugar levels in diabetes?
First, this transition to a diet low in carbohydrates and rich in plant fiber. The fewer carbohydrates consumed, the lower the blood sugar level. And the lower the sugar level, the less the diabetic needs for hypoglycemic drugs, which have their own negative effects. side effects. And fiber, in turn, slows down the process of glucose entering the blood from the intestines, thereby reducing blood sugar spikes after meals.
Secondly, taking antidiabetic drugs and(if it's necessary) insulin. The mechanism of action of these drugs is different and in each case the attending physician prescribes medicines, which either stimulate the production of insulin, or increase the sensitivity of body tissues to the action of insulin, or reduce the absorption of glucose from the intestine. To enhance the effect of these drugs, phytotherapy can be used - taking infusions, decoctions and extracts from medicinal plants with a hypoglycemic effect (for example, blueberries, dandelions, green beans, burdock and chicory roots, Jerusalem artichoke, bay leaf, oats, etc.). When these treatments are not enough, insulin injections are prescribed.
Thirdly, use of moderate physical activity. Physical exercise contribute to the revitalization carbohydrate metabolism and "burning" excess sugar in the muscles. As a result, a decrease in blood glucose levels is so desirable for a diabetic. In addition, for a diabetic overweight regular physical exercise contribute to weight loss, which is very beneficial for the state of his body.
The treatment of diabetes mellitus and the prevention of its dangerous complications is a very difficult task, requiring a number of strict restrictions and strict self-control from the patient until the end of his life. No wonder doctors say that "Diabetes is not a disease, but a way of life!".
But I have good news for diabetics that can make their lives much easier.
This is another way to normalize blood sugar levels, which few people know about. It turns out that diabetes is successfully treated with the help of special breathing exercises that saturate the patient's body. carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) .
To understand the connection between carbon dioxide and blood sugar, I suggest you watch a video explanation from a recognized specialist in breathing techniques with 20 years of experience, Alik Mullakhmetov:
To feel the effect breathing exercise"Thaw", click on the button "Continue!" below the video.
And finally, I want to wish you (regardless of whether you are a diabetic or not) that your blood sugar is always within the normal range, and your eyes always delight you with the beauty of the world around you!
Diabetes mellitus is the most common pathology of the endocrine system. Every year there is an increase in the number of patients with this severe and progressive disease. Diabetes is characterized by damage to blood vessels of various sizes in all vital organs - the brain, heart, kidneys, retina, lower extremities. Delay in seeking medical help, refusal of the prescribed treatment by the patient, non-compliance with dietary and lifestyle recommendations lead to irreversible consequences that can be fatal.
Often, an ophthalmologist is the first doctor who can suspect a patient even before the appearance of subjective signs of the disease. The manifestations of pathology on the part of the organ of vision are very diverse, which makes it possible to distinguish them into a separate concept - “diabetes of the eye”.
Eye Diabetes Symptoms
In some cases, hyperglycemia, which occurs in diabetes mellitus, damages the vessels of the retina - diabetic retinopathy develops.Due to the decrease in the body's defenses in patients with diabetes, there is a persistent and recurrent nature of inflammatory diseases of the eye - blepharitis and. Often there are multiple barley, poorly amenable to conservative treatment. The course of keratitis is long, severe, with the development of a trophic ulcer and total clouding of the cornea in the outcome of the disease. Iridocyclitis also has a long-term character, with frequent exacerbations and negative consequences for the eye.
The most dangerous and frequent manifestation of diabetes on the part of the organ of vision is damage to the retina - diabetic retinopathy. In its development, the type, severity of the disease and its duration, the degree of damage to other organs by diabetes, the presence of concomitant diseases (hypertension, obesity) play an important role.
As mentioned earlier, diabetes mellitus is based on damage to blood vessels, primarily capillaries. On the retina, some capillaries are clogged, compensatory others begin to expand so that the blood circulation of the retina does not suffer. However, this mechanism becomes pathological. Protrusions (microaneurysms) form in the wall of the dilated vessels, through which the liquid part of the blood penetrates into the thickness of the retina. Edema develops in the central (macular) zone of the retina, which compresses light-sensitive cells, leading to their death. The patient begins to notice that certain areas of the image fall out, vision is significantly reduced. The thinned walls of blood vessels rupture, causing small hemorrhages (microhemorrhages) to appear in the fundus. Hemorrhages can also be found in the vitreous body, while the patient sees them as black floating flakes. Small blood clots can dissolve on their own. If it gets into the vitreous a large number of blood, i.e., hemophthalmus has formed, then vision instantly disappears up to light perception. This condition is an indication for surgical treatment.
Oxygen starvation of the retina, caused by the imperfection of the blood vessels, leads to the growth of pathologically altered, fragile capillaries and connective tissue. They grow on the surface of the retina, wrinkling it and leading to detachment. Vision is drastically reduced.
Another manifestation of eye diabetes is secondary neovascular glaucoma. It is characterized by pain due to the rise in intraocular pressure and a rapid decrease in vision. This type of glaucoma is difficult to treat. It develops due to the fact that pathological newly formed blood vessels grow into the iris and the angle of the anterior chamber of the eye, through which the outflow of intraocular fluid occurs, and close the drainage system of the eye. There is a pronounced increase in the level of intraocular pressure, which can lead first to partial, and then to complete atrophy of the optic nerve and irreversible blindness. Glaucoma in diabetic patients develops 4-5 times more often than in healthy people.
Diabetes mellitus leads to the appearance, which occurs even in young patients. The main role in the development of lens opacity is played by a metabolic disorder in the natural lens of the eye against the background of uncompensated diabetes. The development of posterior capsular cataract is characteristic, which progresses very quickly and leads to a decrease in vision. Often, against the background of diabetes, opacities in the lens develop in its nucleus. This cataract is different high density and the difficulty for the fault during its removal.
Eye Diagnosis
An ophthalmologist will help diagnose the fundus, during which retinal changes characteristic of diabetes mellitus will be detected.
If a patient has diabetes mellitus, he must undergo an examination by an ophthalmologist to identify pathological changes in the organ of vision.
The patient undergoes a standard ophthalmological examination, which includes the determination of visual acuity with and without correction, the boundaries of the visual fields, and the measurement of intraocular pressure. The doctor examines the patient with a slit lamp and an ophthalmoscope. For a more thorough study of the retina, a three-mirror Goldman lens is used, which allows you to see both the central zone and the peripheral parts of the retina. Often there are times when, due to a developed cataract or hemorrhage into the vitreous body, it is impossible to see the fundus of the eye. In such cases, an ultrasound examination of the eye is performed.
Eye Diabetes Treatment
First of all, it is carried out. This requires consultation with a qualified endocrinologist, the selection of adequate hypoglycemic drugs, if they are ineffective, a switch to injectable insulin. Medicines are prescribed that reduce blood cholesterol levels, antihypertensive, vasoconstrictive drugs and vitamin complexes. The main role is played by the correction of the patient's lifestyle, his nutrition and physical activity.
Sanitation of foci of chronic infection is carried out, for which the patient needs to consult a dentist, otorhinolaryngologist, surgeon, therapist.
The choice of method for treating the eye symptoms of diabetes depends on the degree of their manifestation. Inflammatory diseases of the appendages of the eye and its anterior segment are treated using standard schemes, under the control of blood sugar levels. The fact is that corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs widely used in ophthalmology, can lead to hyperglycemia.
Treatment of neovascular glaucoma begins with the selection of antihypertensive drip drugs, however, as a rule, normalization of intraocular pressure in this case is very difficult to achieve. Therefore, the main method of treating this type of glaucoma is surgical, the purpose of which is to create additional outflow pathways for intraocular fluid. It should be remembered that the earlier the operation is performed, the higher the chance of compensation of intraocular pressure. In order to destroy the newly formed vessels, they are laser coagulated.
Cataract treatment is exclusively surgical. The phacoemulsification of the cloudy lens is carried out with the implantation of a transparent artificial lens. The operation is performed with a visual acuity of 0.4-0.5, because in diabetes mellitus, the cataract matures and overripes much faster than in healthy people. Long-term surgical intervention, which may be delayed due to the neglect of the disease, can lead to inflammatory and hemorrhagic complications in the postoperative period. It should be remembered that the result of the operation depends on the condition of the retina. If there are significant manifestations of diabetic retinopathy in the fundus, then high vision should not be expected.
Treatment of retinopathy in the initial stage involves laser coagulation of the retina, which is carried out in 3 stages with a break of 5-7 days. The purpose of the procedure is to delimit the edema zone and destroy the newly formed vessels. This manipulation is able to prevent the pathological process of proliferation of connective tissue and loss of vision. In parallel, it is recommended to conduct courses of supporting conservative vascular strengthening, metabolic, vitamin and tissue treatment 2 times a year. However, these measures briefly curb diabetic manifestations, since the disease itself - diabetes mellitus - has a progressive course, and it is often necessary to resort to surgical intervention. To do this, a vitrectomy is performed - through three small punctures in the eyeball, the vitreous body is removed with special tools along with the blood, pathological connective tissue, scars that pull the retina behind them, the vessels are cauterized with a laser. PFOS (perfluoroorganic compound) is injected into the eye - a solution that, with its weight, presses bleeding vessels and smoothes the retina of the eye.
After 2-3 weeks, the second stage of the operation is performed - PFOS is removed, and instead, physiological saline or silicone oil is injected into the vitreal cavity, the issue of extracting which is decided by the surgeon in each individual case.
Prevention of eye diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a severe, progressive disease that, if left untreated, can lead to irreversible consequences in the body. To identify it, it is worth 1 time per year to donate blood on an empty stomach for sugar. If the diagnosis is inserted, then you should follow all the recommendations of the endocrinologist and undergo an examination by an ophthalmologist once a year. If there are changes in the retina, regular observation and treatment by an eye doctor is required at least 2 times a year.
Diabetes mellitus is a common disease characterized by damage to small and large blood vessels throughout the body. In many cases, with such a diagnosis, there is a violation of the structure of the organs of vision. One of the most common and severe complications of hyperglycemia is diabetic retinopathy - damage to the vessels of the retina of the eye, leading to loss of vision.
With hyperglycemia, the human body is subjected to constant spikes in blood glucose levels. If the sugar concentration is increased for a long time, then this leads to a change in the curvature of the lens and damage to the retina, optic nerve. As a result of this, jumps in visual acuity are observed, provoking damage to the blood vessels that feed the retina of the eye. Diabetes of the eye can cause temporary myopia, the symptoms of which disappear immediately when blood glucose levels normalize.
Video about the effects of diabetes on the eyes
Diabetic cataract
The probability of developing glaucoma in patients with hyperglycemia increases 5 times.
diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is common complication on the eyes in diabetes mellitus, characterized by damage to the vessels of the retina. The likelihood of developing such a pathological condition increases with the course of hyperglycemia. The longer a person is sick, the higher the risk of irreversible retinal changes and vision loss. And if the patient additionally suffers from anemia, hyperlipidemia or obesity, then the rate of progression of diabetic retinopathy increases significantly.
You can suspect the presence of ocular diabetes by the following symptoms:
- blurred vision;
- flashing "flies" and dark spots before the eyes;
- a veil covering the eyes;
- poor visibility up close.
The severity of symptoms and treatment depends on the stage of the disease. At the initial stage of hyperglycemia, visual impairment is insignificant, to restore it, it is enough to change lifestyle, diet and control sugar levels. In more complex cases, conservative or surgical treatment is prescribed. Laser coagulation is often used for treatment.
Eye drops for diabetes
The first step in diabetic eyes is prescribed sugar-lowering drugs or insulin, which allows you to control blood sugar levels, as well as special exercises for eyes. For type 1 diabetes, these measures are sufficient. At stage 2, eye drops are prescribed to stop the progression of diabetic retinopathy, cataracts or glaucoma. If hyperglycemia is complicated by glaucoma, the following drugs may be recommended:
- Timolol;
- Betaxolol;
- Fotin.
Diabetic cataract is treated with the following medications:
- Catalin;
- Taufon;
- Katahrom.
The following ophthalmic drops will help to cope with diabetic retinopathy:
- Quinax;
- Riboflavin;
- Vitafacol.
Eye drops for diabetes should be applied 1-2 drops 2-3 times a day for 2-3 weeks. Treatment of diabetic glaucoma can take much longer.
To achieve the best effect, drops are prescribed in combination with other medicines that help restore vision.
Vitamins for eyes with diabetes
In diabetes mellitus, material metabolism is disturbed, as a result of which the body does not receive enough vitamins and minerals. Therefore, patients with hyperglycemia must be prescribed vitamin therapy to strengthen vision. Diabetics with eye pathologies need to take the following vitamins daily:
- B vitamins. Normalize glucose levels, ensure normal activity of the central nervous system, improve blood circulation.
- Vitamin C. Strengthens the immune system, makes blood vessels more elastic.
- Tocopherol. It cleanses the body of toxins and glucose breakdown products, strengthens blood vessels.
- Retinol. Provides good visibility at night, improves visual acuity.
- Vitamin R. Expands blood vessels, improves microcirculation.
In addition to these vitamins, diabetic patients should take mineral complexes. With diabetic retinopathy, vitamin eye drops Quinax or Prenacid are most often prescribed. Vitamins for the eyes for diabetes, such as Bilberry-Forte, Selenium-Active and Vervag Pharma, also help well.
Eye surgery
In advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy, cataracts or glaucoma, surgery is performed. Most often, laser coagulation of the retina is prescribed, aimed at reducing the formation of pathological vessels. Sometimes a vitrectomy is performed. Eye surgery is performed only in extreme cases, when conservative therapy is ineffective.
Diabetes mellitus is a disease that is widespread among children and adults. Every year the number of people with this pathology increases. The disease has chronic course and inevitably leads to complications.
One of the terrible consequences is the deterioration of vision in diabetes. With all its types, sooner or later, the vast majority of patients have a decrease or loss of vision.
Causes of visual impairment in diabetes
The decrease in vision in this disease is overwhelmingly due to diabetic retinopathy - damage to the retina of the eye.
Diabetes mellitus is a severe chronic endocrine disease. It can appear at any age. Its essence lies in the violation of glucose metabolism and metabolism in general. In this regard, damage to blood vessels and nerve fibers occurs. Damage to the eyes, kidneys, nervous regulation and circulation of the extremities is a natural and formidable component of the progression of the disease.
The timing and severity of the development of visual impairment depend on the individual properties of the organism and the type of diabetes mellitus.
Depending on the cause of the appearance and the characteristics of the clinical course, the following types are distinguished:
- 1st type. It develops when special cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for the formation of insulin, are damaged. Insulin is a hormone that affects all types of metabolism, but mainly glucose metabolism. This type of diabetes often develops in childhood and adolescence. Most often, when this diagnosis is established, damage to the retinal vessels is still absent, and develops after 10-20 years.
- 2nd type. It occurs when there is a violation of the interaction of insulin with the cells of the body. It develops due to genetic factors or the presence of risk factors, the main of which is obesity. This type of disease develops mainly in people over 40 years of age. A third of these patients already have signs of diabetic retinopathy at the time of diagnosis.
Diabetes mellitus can develop with other endocrinological diseases, genetic syndromes, general damage to the pancreas, during pregnancy.
The presence and extent of visual impairment depends on the following factors:
The main symptom of diabetes is an increase in blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia). As a result, it is affected the inner layer small vessels of the retina, as well as the functioning and interaction of the cells of the retina of the eye. The structure of the proteins of blood cells is disturbed, which leads to increased adhesion of platelets and a decrease in the elasticity of erythrocytes.
Also, diabetes mellitus is often accompanied by an increase in blood pressure, which negatively affects the regulation of vascular tone.
As a result of numerous negative processes caused by hyperglycemia and metabolic disorders, a violation of the microcirculation of the fundus develops. There is an expansion and blockage of blood vessels, an increase in vascular permeability. This leads to a violation of the circulation of oxygen and nutrition of the retina. These processes are included in the concept of the non-proliferative stage of diabetic retinopathy.
Then a more severe proliferative stage develops. It is characterized by the appearance and growth of new, pathologically organized blood vessels. Thus, the body tries to compensate for the insufficient oxygen exchange. However, new vessels do not have a complete structure and grow over the retina, where they cannot realize beneficial features and only hinder vision.
Symptoms of visual impairment in diabetes
The manifestations of retinal damage are varied. This may be blurred vision, “flies” before the eyes, but as a result, the clarity of vision decreases. This pathology affects both eyes. AT severe cases complete visual function may occur. The reason for this may be retinal detachment, extensive hemorrhages.
Diagnostics
After diagnosing diabetes mellitus, it is necessary to undergo an examination by an ophthalmologist twice a year.
If any signs of visual impairment appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. He will conduct a thorough study of the fundus, that is, establish pathological processes in the retina. This examination is called an ophthalmoscopy.
It allows you to assess the condition of the vessels, the optic nerve head (the place where the nerve exits the eye), the macula (the part of the retina responsible for central vision).
Ophthalmoscopy reveals:
- In the initial stages of retinopathy in the fundus, pinpoint hemorrhages are found more often in the central part of the retina. There are also areas of clouding of the fundus in the region of the optic disc and macula.
- In the later stages, hemorrhages become more extensive. Destructive processes on the retina, growth of pathological vessels are determined.
Also, a study of visual fields, an ultrasound examination of the structures of the eyeball, and measurement of intraocular pressure are carried out.
Other eye diseases associated with diabetes
Reduced vision can be the result of not only retinopathy, but also damage to other parts of the eyeball.
For example, diabetic cataract. In this case, there is a bilateral rapid defeat of the lenses. The lens is a lens, an important refractive structure of the eyeball. With a cataract, it becomes cloudy, which leads to a progressive decrease in vision.
Diabetic iritis and iridocyclitis. This is a lesion of the iris. The iris is a structure that contains many vessels that also suffer from hyperglycemia.
Diabetic glaucoma - a disease characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure. In diabetes, it is caused by a violation of the outflow of aqueous humor due to the growth of pathological vessels in the corner of the anterior chamber of the eye.
The anterior chamber is the space behind the cornea. It is filled with a special fluid that constantly circulates and flows into the circulatory system through the corner of the chamber. Newly formed vessels block it, intraocular pressure rises.
Clinically, this can be manifested by headache, nausea, vomiting.
Treatment of eye diseases in diabetes mellitus
On the present stage No drug therapy diabetic retinal damage.
Vision progressively worsens, especially at the proliferative stage, when the vessels grow. This can be prevented by laser photocoagulation. With the help of a laser beam, these vessels turn into strands that do not have blood flow. As a result, their further growth, hemorrhages are prevented.
However, with recurring massive hemorrhages or retinal detachment, only surgical treatment can help.
In the treatment of diabetic iritis and iridocyclitis, instillation of hormonal solutions, substances that dilate the pupil (atropine 1% solution) is used.