To protect eyesight and general quality of life, routine eye exams are essential
Millions of people in India have type 2 diabetes—a debilitating condition that makes it a serious health issue. Eye-related problems such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma are among the many consequences linked to diabetes that are especially worrisome.
Routine eye exams identify the early stages of eye issues and can protect your vision as well. “To protect eyesight and general quality of life, routine eye exams are essential for the early detection and prevention of various disorders,” Dr. Amod Nayak, Head—Clinical Services, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, told Times Now in an exclusive interview.
How does diabetes affect your eye health?
According to Dr. Nayak, a few potential issues related to diabetes patients about eye health include:
Diabetic retinopathy
A frequent condition in which the retina's blood vessels are harmed by elevated blood sugar. Diabetic retinopathy may not cause any symptoms in its early stages, but if treatment is not received, it might cause visual loss.
Cataract
Patients with diabetes are more likely to acquire cataracts, which cloud the lens of the eye and, if left untreated, can result in blindness and blurred vision.
Glaucoma
Diabetes-related elevated eye pressure can cause glaucoma, which can cause progressive vision loss and, if left untreated, permanent blindness.
Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and intervention because all of these disorders have the potential to develop silently.
How do regular eye screenings help prevent dangerous conditions?
Persistent high blood sugar levels interfere with your body’s ability to store and regulate glucose, which causes it to fluctuate incessantly. Dr. Nayak says this leads to damage to small blood vessels in the eye.
- By identifying conditions like diabetic retinopathy before symptoms show up, routine eye screenings enable early intervention and stop irreversible damage.
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Diabetes-related ocular illnesses can be considerably slowed or stopped in their tracks with early detection, which makes it possible to administer straightforward and efficient therapies like laser therapy or injections.
- By identifying issues early, when therapy is most effective, routine screenings assist in preventing severe visual impairment.
What are the types of eye screenings for diabetic patients?
A few diabetes-related eye screenings you can get done are:
Dilated eye fundus examination
To check for any indications of bleeding or the development of new blood vessels, the ophthalmologist dilates the pupil.
Optical coherence tomography
OCT This imaging method helps identify structural alterations or damage by providing fine-grained pictures of the retinal layers.
According to Dr. Nayak, these are usually noninvasive and painless, which makes them an effective and convenient way to keep a check on diabetic patients' eye health.
How can you prepare for an eye exam?
A person does not need to prepare anything before undergoing a dilated eye exam. However, doctors advise managing your blood sugar levels and keeping glycemic control maintained throughout the exam.
It usually takes 20-30 minutes for your pupils to dilate fully. However, the duration of dilation may last between four and 24 hours. As such, a person may experience blurry vision and light sensitivity for a few hours after the exam. Therefore, it is not advisable for a person to drive after this exam, and they should arrange for a friend or family member to escort them home after the appointment.
Challenges in eye care accessibility
There is a significant gap in the availability of eye care centers between urban and rural areas. While major metros like Delhi and Mumbai have access to specialized diabetic eye screenings and treatments, rural areas may have limited resources.
The number of ophthalmologists available to treat diabetic eye complications is often insufficient to meet the growing demand, particularly in rural regions.
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