Diabetes: A Silent Threat to Vision in Turkey, Europe’s Most Affected Country
Diabetes, the "plague of the century," poses a severe threat to vision. Learn about its impact on eye health and the importance of early diagnosis and management. Turkey leads Europe in diabetes prevalence, with significant risks to eye health. Discover how early diagnosis and preventive care can protect vision.
Editors 
Diabetes: A Silent Threat to Vision in Turkey, Europe’s Most Affected Country
Diabetes, often referred to as the "plague of the century," has made Turkey the European country with the highest prevalence of the disease. On World Diabetes Day, the Turkish Ophthalmological Association (TOD) raised concerns about the growing number of undiagnosed diabetes cases, which pose a significant risk of vision loss.
The Impact of Diabetes on Eye Health
Prof. Dr. Nurten Ünlü, Chair of the Medical Retina Unit of TOD, emphasized the severe consequences of diabetes on eye health, including early-onset cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. She stated, “Diabetes can lead to a spectrum of eye conditions, from minor vision changes to permanent blindness. Even if they have no symptoms, diabetic patients should see an eye doctor at least once a year.”
Alarming Statistics and Risks in Turkey
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), approximately 7 million individuals aged 20–79 in Turkey have diabetes, representing 15% of the adult population. This places Turkey at the top of Europe in terms of diabetes prevalence.
Prof. Dr. Ünlü highlighted key risks:
- Cataracts and Vision Changes: Diabetes often accelerates cataract development and can cause rapid changes in eyeglass prescriptions.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to retinal blood vessels can lead to abnormal new vessel growth and vision loss.
- Diabetic Macular Edema: Leakage of blood and fluid into the macula causes blurred vision, altered color perception, and distorted shapes.
Recognizing the Signs of Vision Loss
Diabetic macular edema symptoms include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Faded colors
- Black spots in the visual field
- Wavy or broken straight lines
Prof. Dr. Ünlü warned, “The longer diabetes persists, the higher the risk of vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy. Risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, kidney disease, anemia, and sleep apnea exacerbate the condition.”
Early Diagnosis Saves Sight
Approximately 50% of diabetics worldwide and in Turkey remain undiagnosed. Prof. Dr. Ünlü noted that many discover their diabetes during routine eye exams.
“Early diagnosis and treatment are critical,” she said. “Regular eye check-ups and early intervention can halt or slow vision loss. Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, combined with healthy lifestyle habits, can mitigate many risk factors.”
Key Preventive Measures
- Routine Eye Exams: Diabetic patients should have annual eye exams.
- Manage Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure: Maintain these at normal levels.
- Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking.
Conclusion
Diabetes is not only a systemic health challenge but also a significant threat to eye health. With early detection, consistent monitoring, and proactive management, the risks of vision loss can be dramatically reduced, improving both individual and societal well-being.
