Research shows that 6 out of 10 people living with diabetes worldwide are unaware of the many visual complications caused by the disease, such as cataracts and diabetic retinopathy, leading causes of blindness in diabetics, the study of Diabetes and the Eye, conducted by the Healthy Sight Institute (1) and Transitions Optical.
The recent study of Diabetes and the Eye stresses the need of all diabetic patients to use secure optical solutions, such as photochromic lenses, especially those suitable for the protection of vision and which block 100 percent of ultraviolet radiation (UV ) solar, and provides/ improves visual comfort by reducing glare. Keep in mind that eye diseases related to diabetes are a major cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide.
“Not knowing the impact of diabetes on eye health is dangerous for diabetic patients who do not protect themselves,” said Dr. Javier Oviedo, director of Education for Latin America Transitions Optical. “When exposed, the diabetic’s quality of vision is affected and encourages the development of diabetic retinopathy, the development of cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration associated with age. “In diabetic patients the prevalence of cataract increases from three to four times compared to people without the disease, because the episodes of hyperglycemia promote the opacity of the lens, the symptom of visual complication,” Oviedo said.
Often patients with eye diseases associated with diabetes have a poor visual function caused by glare, loss of contrast, abnormal color vision, visual field defects and problems adjusting to the dark, even clinically silent during phases of the disease.
“Unfortunately, research shows that there is an alarming lack of care of diabetic patients in regular care of your vision and lack of daily visual protection that prevents the appearance of eye diseases,” said Ernesto Maldonado, Managing Transitions to the Caribbean Optical.
The comprehensive care of diabetic patients through adequate control of blood glucose index, healthy lifestyles, visual assessments and regular medical care are essential. Eye examinations in diabetic patients can be the difference between adequate visual quality and the loss thereof.
The World Health Organization reports, diabetes currently affects approximately 240 million people and this number is on the rise, experts indicate the figure will hit 366 million by 2030. Education, prevention and control of diabetes itself can help provide better quality of life and vision to patients who have it.
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