Effects of diabetes on eye health

Regular eye examinations are essential for people with diabetes, as elevated blood sugar levels can damage the retina – often long before symptoms appear. An initial examination should be carried out shortly after the diagnosis of diabetes, followed by annual examinations or as recommended by the ophthalmologist. Pupil-dilating drops are always required for the assessment. Immediate examination is necessary in the event of acute symptoms such as deterioration of vision, blurred vision, ‘sooty rain’, visual field defects or severe pain.

Ophthalmology also plays an important role in internal medicine: HbA1c levels alone do not reliably indicate whether the retina is under strain. Daily blood sugar fluctuations, which can lead to vascular damage, are decisive. Since ophthalmologists can assess the vessels directly, they provide important information about the quality of blood sugar control and the condition of the entire vascular system.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication. Poor blood sugar and blood lipid levels as well as high blood pressure promote vascular damage, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. In addition, macular oedema may develop. Damage can be detected by means of a fundus examination, retinal photography and OCT. A distinction is made between non-proliferative and proliferative retinopathy, in which abnormal new blood vessels form and can cause serious complications such as haemorrhages or retinal detachment.

The most important measure is prevention through good metabolic control. If retinopathy does occur, laser treatments can destroy poorly perfused areas of the retina and curb the formation of new blood vessels. Diabetic macular oedema is treated with IVOM injections. Both therapies are performed at Rudolfinerhaus.