United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, 9 November, 2016:  Diabetes, a condition that affects more than 745,940 people in the UAE according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), not only affects blood sugar levels but also important organs: notably the retina, kidneys, heart and nerve tissues. The disease affects the blood vessels known as the capillaries in these organs causing leakages and blockages which eventually lead to blindness, heart disease, kidney failure and amputations.

One of the biggest effects of diabetes is on the eyes causing mild visual loss to severe visual loss or even blindness. Diabetes can affect the human lens causing premature cataract or clouding of the eyes or causes an increase in fluid pressure inside the eye or glaucoma. 

“The most common diabetic eye condition is called Diabetic retinopathy, which is the leading cause of blindness,” said Dr. Madhav Rao, Consultant Ophthalmologist / Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon at Abu Dhabi’s tertiary healthcare provider, Burjeel Hospital. “Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the narrow blood vessels called capillaries in the retina of the eye causing leakage of fluid, blood, proteins into the retinal layers resulting in retinal swelling or an edema. If the edema occurs in the center of the retina, vision might be affected.”

“The second most important change caused by diabetic retinopathy is the formation of abnormal new blood vessels on the surface of the retina and these grow towards the center of the eye,” he continued. “These large new blood vessels are fragile and can be raptured easily on physical exertion causing bleeding into the vitreous cavity (fluid in the middle of the eye) or can pull the retina separating from the outer walls.”

Eye disease caused by diabetes is particularly dangerous because it does not display any symptoms in the early stages. Over time, patients will suffer from blurring of vision, distortion of images, blockage in the central vision, and sudden appearance of a cloud in the field of vision.

“Once diabetic retinopathy has progressed to the later stages, the patient will have to undergo a recommended laser surgery that shrinks the abnormally formed blood vessels,” Dr. Rao said. “This surgery is most effective when the vessels are newly formed and haven’t started bleeding. It can be done even if the vessels have started bleeding but this can have complications.”

Prevention damage to your eyes is the best way forward once you have been diagnosed with diabetes. Control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol along with a suitable diet and regular exercise will keep these alarming conditions away.