Diabetes and Eye Health: A Critical Connection
Diabetes can severely impact eye health, leading to complications like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Learn how proactive care, early diagnosis, and lifestyle changes can preserve vision and improve quality of life. Discover the link between diabetes and eye health. Expert insights from Dünyagöz Hospitals Group explain how diabetes-related eye conditions can be managed and prevented through early detection and regular care.
Editors 
Diabetes and Eye Health: A Critical Connection
Uncontrolled Diabetes Can Lead to Permanent Vision Loss
The Impact of Diabetes on Eye Health
Diabetes, a condition affecting millions worldwide, goes far beyond blood sugar regulation. According to Op. Dr. Fevzi Akkan, an Eye Diseases Specialist at Dünyagöz Etiler Hospital, diabetes can cause severe eye complications that may lead to permanent vision loss. Marking November 14th as World Diabetes Day, Dr. Akkan emphasized the importance of awareness and prevention to safeguard eye health.
The World Health Organization estimates that at least 64 million adults and 300,000 children in Europe are living with diabetes. Alarmingly, one in three individuals with diabetes remains undiagnosed, increasing the risk of long-term complications, including those affecting the eyes.
Common Diabetes-Related Eye Conditions
Diabetes can cause several serious eye problems, including:
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Diabetic Retinopathy: The most common complication, caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina. It can lead to blood leakage, fluid accumulation, and abnormal blood vessel growth, resulting in blurry vision or permanent vision loss if left untreated.
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Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Swelling in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. DME affects tasks like reading and close-up work.
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Cataracts: People with diabetes are at higher risk of cataracts at an earlier age, causing the eye's lens to become cloudy and impairing vision.
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Glaucoma: Elevated eye pressure damages the optic nerve, leading to irreversible vision loss. Diabetic patients are at a significantly higher risk of glaucoma compared to the general population.
Preventing and Managing Eye Complications in Diabetes
Dr. Akkan highlights several steps to protect eye health:
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Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring: Keeping blood sugar levels stable minimizes the risk of eye complications. Monitoring Hemoglobin A1c levels provides long-term blood sugar insights.
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Routine Eye Examinations: Diabetic individuals should undergo detailed eye exams at least once a year. Early detection ensures timely intervention, preventing severe vision loss.
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Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels exacerbate diabetic eye issues.
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Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco use are vital for maintaining overall and eye health.
Early Diagnosis Saves Sight
Diabetes-related eye complications are preventable with proactive care. "Don't neglect your eye health. Early diagnosis and regular follow-ups are key to preserving vision," said Dr. Akkan.
About Dünyagöz Hospitals Group
Since 1996, Dünyagöz has been a leader in eye care, offering cutting-edge treatments across 31 locations worldwide. With 21 branches across Turkey and 10 international centers in countries like Germany, Georgia, and Bulgaria, Dünyagöz treats over 120,000 foreign patients annually, making it a pioneer in health tourism. The group boasts a 350-member medical team, 3,500 staff, and the capacity for 8,000 outpatient visits and 1,000 surgeries daily.
