Is there a relation between diabetes and glaucoma? Yes, there exists a complex relationship between these two eye conditions. Before understanding the relationship, it is necessary to understand some brief information about the individual conditions.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes classifieds into type 1 and type 2. In the former type, pancreatic beta cells stop producing insulin. In the latter type, insulin creating cells become destroyed. Insulin is necessary for regulating blood sugar levels.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma defines as a degenerative condition caused by progressive loss of vision. It has been found that uncontrolled diabetes (type 1 and type 2) can expose the patient to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. In this condition, there is inadequate blood flow to the retina and leakage of blood vessels. Cumulatively, it produces intraocular pressure that remains higher than normal. It could potentially damage the optic nerves.
The most common form of glaucoma is primary open-angle glaucoma. Although the relationship between this type of glaucoma and type 1 diabetes has not been established concretely, there still appears to be a risk.
Can type 1 diabetes cause glaucoma?
Although there is a risk, there is no confirmed link between the two diseases. Hyperglycemia levels increase in type 1 diabetes which could make the ganglion cells in the retina function adversely.
Can type 2 diabetes cause glaucoma?
Studies on patients with type 2 diabetes have suggested that there could be a relationship between type 2 diabetes and primary open-angle glaucoma. Again, results are not concrete.
Does diabetic retinopathy lead to glaucoma?
The blood vessels carrying blood to and from the eyes undergo damage in this condition named diabetic retinopathy. Unmanaged diabetes could increase pressure on these blood vessels, which may lead to diabetic retinopathy. It establishes by the fact that diabetic retinopathy affects commonly to those who have diabetes – hence the link, even though the exact relationship has not been established.
So, what is the best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy and probably glaucoma?
Seeking expert advice from a Houston Lasik center remains essential. A qualified eye doctor may conduct an examination to determine the risk of a patient to such conditions. Sometimes a microlaser eye surgery might be prescribed if indications of glaucoma are determined. A Houston eye specialist can guide patients in the process to complete such procedures using LASIK eye surgery which is a successful treatment methodology.
The microsurgery is also labeled as a glaucoma filtering surgery or trabeculectomy. It is a surgery to drain the fluid out of the eye, thereby decreasing intraocular pressure. The procedure ensures that the optic nerves remain out of danger due to increased eye pressure.
Based on the analysis of the eye specialist, several other corrective procedures may be prescribed. There could also be consultations or referred consultations to medical practitioners to attend to non-eye medical conditions at other clinics. But the first step is always to seek immediate consultation with a qualified eye clinic without delay.
Houston Lasik leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Houston Lasik, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478.
References:
https://www.glaucomafoundation.org/news_detail.php?id=194
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