Diabetes and Glaucoma- How Are They Related?

Introduction

Glaucoma is an eye condition which usually affects the optic nerve. This nerve is very important for eye health and if it is damaged then it can result in vision loss and in a few cases, it can cause blindness. This condition is caused due to increased pressure within the eyes. Diabetes is one of the risk factors for glaucoma. Read the article to know more.

What Is Meant by Glaucoma?

The eyes contain a clear fluid called aqueous humor which fills the inside of the eyes. Inside the eye, the old fluid gets replaced by the new fluid as the old fluid gets eliminated from the eyes through a meshwork of drainage and channels. If in some cases, the fluid drainage mechanism gets disturbed and obstructed then the pressure within the eyes called intraocular pressure increases. If the intraocular pressure increases tremendously, then this pressure is likely to damage the optic nerve fibers. When this damage progresses it can result in loss of vision and in extreme cases, it can cause blindness.

What Is Meant by Diabetes?

Diabetes is a very common and chronic condition that is caused when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that helps to maintain the blood glucose) required by the body or when the body does not effectively make the insulin produced.

What Are the Different Types of Glaucoma?

The different types of glaucoma are

• Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is the common type and affects most of the people. In this type, the pressure build-up takes place at a slow rate and the vision loss occurs gradually.

• Closed-Angle Glaucoma: In this condition, the symptoms occur suddenly. This affects ten percent of the population. This is a very dangerous form of glaucoma that requires immediate medical attention.

How Can Diabetes Affect the Eyes?

Diabetes is a condition that affects the body’s ability to maintain normal blood sugar. A certain level of blood sugar is required to maintain some activities in the body but if the blood sugar level increases, it exerts too much pressure on some of the major organs. Diabetes can cause huge risks to the eyes. Diagnosing diabetes can enhance the risk of glaucoma. If the person is affected by glaucoma then the nerves and fibers are damaged by pressure buildup around the eyes. When glaucoma is not treated, it can result in partial or total blindness.

How Does Diabetes Increase the Risk of Glaucoma?

Diabetic retinopathy is a common diabetic eye condition that can enhance the risk of glaucoma. It is usually seen in people who have been suffering from diabetes for a very long time. Diabetic retinopathy is caused when the damaged blood vessels affect the retina. The risk of this condition occurs with

• Age.

• Unmanaged blood sugar levels.

• Increased blood pressure.

Along with diabetic retinopathy, alteration in the blood glucose level can make the blood vessels present in the retina to weaken and get damaged. This can result in glaucoma. When the blood vessels present in the retina are damaged, it causes abnormal blood vessel growth. This condition is called neurovascular glaucoma. These blood vessels can disturb the natural drainage system. As a result, it enhances the pressure within the eye which can result in glaucoma.

What Are the Symptoms Related to Glaucoma?

Some symptoms of open-angle glaucoma are

• A blind spot is seen in the peripheral vision in both eyes.

• Tunnel vision is a drastically narrowed vision.

Some symptoms related to closed-angle glaucoma are

• Sudden severe eye pain.

• Severe headache.

• Blurred vision.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Redness of the eyes.

Some common symptoms of neurovascular glaucoma are

• Loss of vision.

• Eye pain.

• Eye redness.

What Are the Treatment Methods Related to Glaucoma Caused by Diabetes?

Understanding the potential connection between diabetes and glaucoma is important for early detection and treatment. These include

• Early Eye-Checkups: Diabetic patients should go for regular eye checkups yearly or as the ophthalmologist recommends.

• The Blood Sugar Should Be Maintained: By maintaining proper blood sugar, the risk of complications caused due to diabetes can be reduced including eye conditions.

• Glaucoma Medications: Many medications can help to manage glaucoma caused by diabetes.

• Glaucoma Laser and Surgery: In advanced and severe cases or when the medication is not effective, the doctors can recommend surgical methods like laser trabeculoplasty, micro-invasive glaucoma surgery, and many other options.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Eye Issue With Diabetes?

In a person affected by diabetes, full dilated eye exam helps to rule out any eye issues caused by diabetes. The doctors will use eye drops to widen the pupils which helps the doctors to examine the back of each eye very clearly with the help of magnifying glasses. The vision of the person will be blurry for some time after the examination. The doctor will:

• Test the vision of the person.

• Measure the pressure present within the eyes.

Sometimes, the doctor may recommend other tests depending on the health condition of the person. All the people who are affected by diabetes should have an eye checkup every year.

What Is the Eye Exam Guideline for Diabetes?

• Type 1: Early diagnosis should be initiated within the five years of diagnosis.

• Type 2: The eye exam should begin right after the diagnosis of diabetes.

• Pregnancy: Those women who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes should have an eye examination before pregnancy or within the first trimester. And the doctor may recommend to have an eye checkup in the later stages of pregnancy and till the baby is one year old.

How the Eyes Can Be Protected When the Person Has Diabetes?

If the person is affected by diabetes it is very important to protect their eye health. To reduce the risk of glaucoma and other eye conditions make sure to follow these:

• To strictly follow the diabetic care plan in order to keep the blood sugar level in control.

• The person should have a routine eye checkup with dilation every year.

• The person should quit smoking.

• Regular exercise.

• The eye drops and medications need to be followed as prescribed by the doctors in order to lower the eye pressure.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a very common condition seen in most people. Diabetes can have a very bad impact on eye health. Glaucoma is a condition which affects the optic nerve. This increases the pressure within the eye. When glaucoma is not treated it can result in complete or partial blindness. There are treatment mentos and it is better for the person to have a regular eye-check up if diagnosed with diabetes.