Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it is primarily known for its impact on blood sugar levels, diabetes can also lead to several complications, including serious vision problems. Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable sight loss in the UK.
How Diabetes Affects Vision
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, increase eye pressure, and cause swelling in different parts of the eye. Over time, these changes can result in significant vision impairment or even blindness if left untreated.
Eye disease and Common Vision Problems Associated with Diabetes
1. Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina. These vessels help to supply blood to the retina which is the seeing part of the eye. The damage can lead to blockage, leakage, swelling, or abnormal blood vessel growth. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms, but as it progresses, it can lead to vision loss.
2. Diabetic Macular Oedema/Diabetic Maculopathy
Diabetic Macular Oedema and diabetic maculopathy are complications of diabetic retinopathy that occurs when blood vessels become blocked in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. The swelling can lead to vision distortion and difficulty reading or recognizing faces.
3. Cataracts
Having diabetes doubles the risk of developing cataracts. Cataracts cause the eye’s lens to become cloudy, leading to reduced vision clarity.
4. Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when increased pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve. Diabetes increases the risk of developing glaucoma by x 1.5. Glaucoma can lead to gradual vision loss if not detected early.
5. Eye Infections
Eye Infections are more common in people with diabetes and also may present differently and develop more rapidly and severely.
Preventing Diabetes-Related Vision Problems
The damage to sight is gradual, so it is possible to avoid damage and prevent it from getting worse.
There are several steps individuals can take to protect their eye health:
1. Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels – Keeping blood sugar levels within the recommended range can prevent or slow the progression of diabetic eye diseases.
2. Regular Eye Screening – Comprehensive and regular eye examinations should be performed to detect early signs of eye disease.
3. Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol – High blood pressure and cholesterol can further damage blood vessels in the eyes, increasing the risk of vision problems.
4. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle – Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce the risk of diabetic complications.
5. Manage Medications Properly – Taking prescribed diabetes medications as directed by a healthcare professional is essential for preventing long-term complications.
6. Consult with a doctor if you have any changes to your eye sight, including seeing “floaters” whispy clouds floating in and out of your vision, dark spots, dimmer vision, struggling to see in the dark, blurred or distorted vision, eye pain or pressure.
Conclusion
Diabetes-related vision problems can be serious and, if left untreated, can lead to permanent damage and loss of sight. Claims involving substandard medical care include the following:
1. A 6 year delay in diagnosing and treating diabetes. The Claimant developed cataracts and due to the GP’s delay, suffered serious eye complications including diabetic retinopathy and was sadly left completely blind in one eye and had severely impaired vision in the other.
2. A hospital failed to adequately treat and control the Claimant’s diabetes and hypertension. The claimant developed diabetic retinopathy which almost led to total blindless apart from limited vision in one eye. The Claimant also suffered kidney damage and might need dialysis in future.
3. A 7 year delay diagnosing glaucoma linked to diabetes, despite seeking medical help with symptoms. The Claimant began suffering more serious falls and also blurred vision in one eye which caused him to seek medical attention again, and he was finally diagnosed with glaucoma. He was expected to lose remaining vision over the following 5-10 years.
4. The Claimant was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy which was well managed for 11 years until he developed diabetic macular ischemia. Within two years, the Claimant was showing signs of glaucoma but the hospital failed to recognise and treat this. Within three months he went from being independent to being registered as severely visually impaired.
How Tozers can help
If you wish to discuss a potential claim our specialist medical negligence team can help.
