Diabetes and Hypertension: Silent Threats to Vision
Diabetes Complications in the Eyes
According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, there are currently about 2 million people with diabetes in Vietnam, but up to 65% of these patients are unaware of their condition. Over the past decade, the number of diabetes patients in urban areas has increased by 3 to 4 times, while in rural areas, diabetes, which was once rare, has now become more prevalent. The World Health Organization also predicts that the number of people with diabetes globally will rise to approximately 300 million by 2025.
 |
| Caring for Diabetes Patients (Photo: VNN) |
Dr. Nicolas Lague from the FV General Hospital states that diabetes is related to insulin issues—the hormone that stimulates the body’s cells to absorb glucose energy from the blood. The exact cause of diabetes remains unclear; however, genetic or familial factors have been noted (meaning that if a family member has diabetes, the others are at a higher risk). Social factors also contribute to the development of diabetes, including obesity, dietary habits, and a sedentary lifestyle.
There are 2 types of diabetes: Type I Diabetes (Insulin-dependent): Accounts for 10%, commonly found in young people, with symptoms of excessive eating, drinking, urination, and rapid weight loss; Type II Diabetes (Non-insulin dependent): Accounts for 90%, typically appears in individuals over 30 years old, often associated with obesity, exhibiting few symptoms and a silent progression.
According to Dr. Doric Wong, head of the Ophthalmology Department at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), diabetes can lead to nerve damage, heart disease, and kidney issues. However, one significant complication that often goes unnoticed is that diabetes can cause severe eye complications, which is one of the leading causes of blindness in developed countries today. As a condition affecting small blood vessels, diabetes can cause various types of damage to the eyes, particularly the retina (the nerve layer at the back of the eye), ranging from minor issues like microaneurysms and hemorrhages to more severe damages like bleeding in the eye, retinal detachment, and eventual blindness.
Additionally, diabetes can lead to complications in the retinal blood vessels, such as central retinal vein occlusion, retinal artery occlusion, and damage to the macular area. These complications further exacerbate the eye condition, potentially leading to neovascularization and glaucoma. In the early stages, minor damage to the eyes can benefit from laser treatment to prevent the disease from progressing further. However, in more severe cases, treatment may be less effective, and the disease may continue to advance uncontrollably.
Regular Eye Check-ups for Hypertension and Diabetes
Hypertension is also a significant threat to human health and a leading cause of disability and death among the elderly. There are 2 types of hypertension: Secondary hypertension: often found in younger patients, accounting for about 10%, caused by kidney issues, endocrine problems, or medications; and Primary hypertension: accounting for 90-95%, commonly seen in older adults. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to numerous complications affecting other organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels.
Dr. Nicolas Lague also mentions that hypertension can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the retina, similar to the signs caused by diabetes, and sometimes laser treatment may be necessary. Furthermore, hypertension can also lead to blockages in blood vessels in the eyes, as well as in the brain, heart, or other organs.
For both of these conditions, Dr. Doric Wong recommends that patients undergo regular eye examinations. This is essential for diabetes patients, even if they do not notice any unusual symptoms in their eyes. Eye examinations that include fluorescein angiography can help detect the stages of diabetic eye disease, allowing for appropriate treatment and monitoring.
Similarly, hypertension patients undergoing eye examinations will be monitored for elevated blood pressure and can receive preventive and therapeutic measures.
By Quỳnh
