A Fiji ophthalmologist warns that poor blood sugar management can hasten cataract development and other serious eye complications, urging early screening and lifestyle changes for those at risk.
People living with diabetes are being warned to take vision changes seriously, after a Fiji eye specialist said uncontrolled blood sugar can speed up cataracts and other sight-threatening complications. Dr Shirin Shabina Ayub, acting head of the Ophthalmology Department at CWM Hospital, said people with diabetes can develop cataracts in both eyes and may also face more serious damage if their condition is poorly managed.
Ayub urged patients not to wait until their eyesight worsens before seeking help. She said routine screening can pick up problems early, when treatment is more likely to slow or limit damage. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes raises the risk of several eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts, and regular comprehensive eye examinations are recommended to detect these conditions before they threaten sight.
The CDC says diabetes can gradually damage the eyes and, if not controlled, can lead to vision loss or blindness. It notes that diabetic retinopathy, in which high blood sugar harms blood vessels in the retina, is a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the risk becomes, which makes ongoing monitoring especially important.
Ayub also said age, high blood pressure and eye injury remain among the common causes of cataracts, which are one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness. She urged people with diabetes, or those in their 40s with high blood sugar or blood pressure, to adopt a healthier lifestyle, reduce sugar intake and make use of local eye clinics. While laser treatment, injections and medicines can help in some cases, she said the damage caused by uncontrolled diabetes is often progressive and irreversible.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
