Diabetes Complications: Vision Loss and Carbohydrates

Vision Loss and Carbohydrates

This finding that links carbohydrates and AMD was the result of an age-related eye disease study that tracked nearly 5,000 participants ranging in age from 55 to 80. Essentially, the study found that a diet with a high glycemic index (i.e., a diet that features the type of carbs that rapidly elevate blood sugar levels) increases a person's risk of developing AMD. Foods with a high glycemic index include:

• pasta
• potatoes
• white bread
• white rice.

Common Vision Problems in Diabetics

• Cataracts: Diabetics are at an increased risk of developing cataracts, a clouding of the lens that can cause blurry vision and sensitivity to glare. Surgery is usually required to remove cataracts and restore vision.
  
  
• Diabetic Retinopathy: This disorder, which occurs when fluid or blood leaks into the retina from nearby blood vessels, affects approximately 40 percent of diabetics. Risk for developing diabetic retinopathy increases with inconsistent control of blood glucose levels.
  
  
• Macular Damage: Macular damage is common in diabetics. Unfortunately, this disease causes faulty color vision and is usually irreversible.
  
  
• Secondary Glaucoma: Secondary glaucoma occurs when fragile blood vessels form a new network directly on the iris of the eye, blocking the outflow of fluid from the eye. The buildup of fluid elevates eye pressure that can then cause optic nerve atrophy and, if left untreated, complete loss of vision.
  
  
• Vitreous Hemorrhage: Marked by bleeding inside the eye that can cause sudden vision loss, vitreous hemorrhage can be caused by the presence of diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms of Vision Loss in Diabetics

In addition, diabetics should be aware of the early warning signs of vision loss. Anyone with diabetes who has problems with his vision should see a doctor, as these symptoms could be a result of diabetes complications. If the problem is caught early enough, vision loss may be prevented.

Common symptoms of vision loss include:

• blurred vision
• changes in refraction
• faulty color vision or reduced sensitivity to color
• hazy vision
• sensitivity to glare
• variable vision or focus.

Tips for Protecting Your Vision

• Reduce your consumption of high-glycemic carbohydrates.
  
  
• Schedule a fluorescein angiography, a test that analyzes blood circulation in the eyes.
  
  
• See your eye doctor for eye examinations at least once a year. Tell your ophthalmologist or optometrist that you are diabetic so that he can look for warning signs of vision loss.

In addition to the tips listed above, adhere to a diabetic diet that features foods with a low glycemic index, including:

• all-bran cereal
• whole-wheat bread
• whole-wheat pasta
• wild rice.

Remember, however, that a diet full of carbohydrates (whether high-glycemic or low-glycemic) is bad for people with diabetes, as carbs break down into glucose, which raises blood glucose levels. A balanced diet is the best way to help manage diabetes. Never be afraid to ask your doctor what your diabetic diet should or should not include.

Resources

American Diabetes Association (n.d.) Making Healthy Food Choices. Retrieved August 23, 2007, from the American Diabetes Association Web site: http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/
healthyfoodchoices.jsp.