Dr. Arvind Varma is a practicing ophthalmologist who runs a clinic in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. Besides writing on common eye problems, Dr. Varma will also answer specific queries.

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What is Diabetes Mellitus and how it is caused?
Diabetes Mellitus is a condition in which the sugar, that is absorbed in the blood cannot be utilised by the body. This happens due to lack of a hormone called Insulin. Hence the sugar level rises beyond normal in the blood. The kidneys try to get rid of the excessive amount of sugar by passing some of it in the urine. So sugar is present in the urine too.

How does Diabetes Mellitus affect the eye?
The sum total of the damage caused to the retina or visual screen in the eye is collectively called Diabetic Retinopathy. Almost all parts of the eye are affected by Diabetes Mellitus, as it makes the eye susceptible to infections. Water is retained in some parts of the eye, leading to fluctuating vision and frequently changing number.

Diabetes Mellitus may develop one or more of the following symptoms:

• Brittle blood vessels in the retina with a tendency to bleed (Retinal haemorrhages).
• Leakage of water in retina causing swelling of the retina (Macular Oedema).
• Deposits in retina (Retinal Exudates)
• Severe bleeding in the eye (Vitreous haemorrhages).
• Formation of new and fragile blood vessels (Neo-vascularisation).
• Retinal Detachment (TRD).

What preventive and curative measures can be adopted?

Control of blood sugar is one way to delay damage to the eye. Poor control of blood sugar leads to early Diabetic Retinopathy. In spite of the control, diabetic damages may still be slowly progressive. Hence it is important to get your eyes examined at least once a year by an eye specialist.

Diabetic Retinopathy may be active even the (so felt) absence of any of the above mentioned symptoms, which will be detected by the eye specialist. Unfortunately there is precious little one can do to reverse damage already done. Only in a few, exceptional cases, lost vision maybe regained.

Next fortnight read about the treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy.

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• Do You Have A Lazy Eye?
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• FAQ’s About Cataract
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• How To Care For Your Eyes
• Should You Opt For Contact Lenses?
• Treatment For Glaucoma
• Understanding Glaucoma