Vision problems can be an indication of diabetes

Variations in his visual acuity may be due to diabetes

If you notice fluctuations in your visual acuity during the course of the day, you see distorted or blurred vision or perceive so-called "sooty rain" in front of the eye, you should go immediately to the ophthalmologist. Because these symptoms can be symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes can cause numerous complications

According to health experts, around seven million people in Germany live with diabetes. The disease not only has serious effects on the metabolism, but can also cause numerous sequelae. Often diabetes causes diseases of the cardiovascular system over time. The nervous system is also affected. Particularly often the supplying nerves of the feet are damaged, which can lead to the fact that the affected ones develop a so-called diabetic foot. Even eye diseases that can lead to blindness are typical complications of so-called diabetes.

Anyone who sees fluctuations in visual acuity during the course of the day, looks distorted or blurred, should definitely have their eyes examined. Because possibly a diabetes illness could be the cause of the complaints. (Image: YakobchukOlena / fotolia.com)

In case of "soot rain" in front of the eye immediately to the ophthalmologist

Anyone who sees fluctuations in visual acuity during the course of the day, sees them distorted or blurred, or even perceives so-called "sooty rain" in front of the eye, should go to the ophthalmologist immediately.

Maybe the metabolic disease diabetes mellitus is the cause of the discomfort.

According to experts, up to one-third of people with Type 2 diabetes already have a slight change in the retina when they are diagnosed.

The so-called "diabetic retinopathy" shows no symptoms for a long time. Finally, when vision problems occur, the damage to the retina may be so advanced that it leads to permanent visual impairment or even blindness.

This is pointed out by the diabetesDE - German Diabetes Aid on the occasion of the "Day of the White Cane" on 15 October 2018.

Disease of the retina

As the experts write in a communication, more than 1.3 million people with diabetes nationwide have a retinal disease, about 2,000 of them go blind each year.

According to the information, "diabetic retinopathy" is one of the main reasons for a long-term decline in working age in the Western world.

The causes of this diabetes sequelae are manifold, with eleven percent of those affected also permanently elevated blood glucose levels play a role. These damage the fine blood vessels of the retina.

Treacherous is that sufferers in the early phase initially have no complaints. In the advanced stage new vessels form, which penetrate into the retina or vitreous of the eye.

The vessels become permeable and brittle, and blood leaks into the surrounding tissue. Only then it comes to visual disturbances and restrictions.

Afraid of the results

As the experts explain, the 2015 Barometer Study collected data on the care situation of people with diabetes and eye diseases in 41 countries.

In Germany, the survey was carried out by persons affected by the German Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBSV) and the German Diabetes Aid - People with Diabetes (DDH-M).

The Deputy Chair of diabetesDE - German Diabetes Aid, Diana Droßel, who has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and has been blind since 1982, has been involved in the study:

"27 percent of the diagnosed diabetes patients with visual impairment reported problems in dealing with their diabetes, including the control and cessation of blood sugar," said the diabetes consultant.

However, although sufferers fear the greatest possible loss of vision from all secondary diseases, only a small proportion of people with diabetes go regularly to eye control, said the expert.

"As well as the long waiting times for an appointment, the reasons given were above all the fear of the results or a subsequent treatment."

Regularly check eyes

"In order to prevent impairments and the resulting loss of independence and quality of life, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients should have their eyes examined regularly," said Professor Dr. med. med. Thomas Haak, diabetesDE board member and chief physician at the Diabetes Center Mergentheim.

Retinal changes can be delayed in early stages. People with type 1 diabetes should have retinal control after the eleventh year of life or from the fifth year of the disease after previous pupil dilation.

In people with type 2 diabetes, the retina should be examined immediately after diabetic diagnosis.

If there is still no damage to the retina and there are no general risks such as increased long-term blood glucose, prolonged diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease, follow-up is recommended every two years.

At high risk, annual examinations are important. In the case of existing retinopathy, the examination intervals may also be individually shorter than annually.

"In addition to the regular eye control at the doctor and a stable metabolism setting is crucial," said Professor Haak. "On the other hand, the blood pressure should be well adjusted. The target blood pressure is 140/85 mmHg. "(Ad)