Does diabetes cause vision impairment?

Question

Hello doctor,

My uncle has diabetes, and he is very worried about his vision impairment. The doctor said that he might have diabetic retinopathy, which is bad for his retina. He was told to watch out for macular edema too.

His ophthalmologist appointments are frequent now. Vision impairment seems to be getting worse with time. My uncle also has coronary artery disease, and I am scared it might affect his eyes. He says his retina feels strange sometimes.

Is it normal for diabetic retinopathy to cause so many issues?
He has trouble reading now because of a vision impairment. Should he be worried about macular edema becoming worse?

His diabetes has been hard to control lately. I think he is worried about his overall health.

Can coronary artery disease make diabetic retinopathy worse?
He mentions his eyes hurting a lot these days. Is there a special treatment for the retina problems in diabetics?
Uncle’s situation is tough to watch. What can be done to help his vision?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

As per your doctor's suggestion, diabetic retinopathy is a possible complication of diabetes, which can cause the mentioned symptoms, and macular edema will further worsen the symptoms. Please visit an ophthalmologist to get a fundoscopy done to diagnose what exactly is present inside the retina.

Diabetic retinopathy is treatable. Treatment differs according to different grades of retinopathy. But without adequate sugar control, none of the treatments is going to be effective nor arrest the further worsening of retinopathy. So, blood sugar control is of prime importance for people with diabetic complications.

He also needs to take care of his heart as per the cardiologist's advice.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.