Blood sugar and eye problems
As Sugar accumulates in the blood, it can cause various problems. One item on the list is vision problems. The eye is a delicate and complex structure, messing up any tiny components can cause serious vision problems.
Elevated blood sugar levels can cause inflammation and damage to the fragile blood vessels of the retina. It can also cause swelling and deformation of the lens in the eye, and possibly cataracts. High blood sugar (combined with insulin) can also cause blood vessels to narrow and prevent adequate drainage. This increases pressure in the eye (glaucoma), which damages the optic nerve and various blood vessels.
Diabetes and eye health
It has been established that the link between sugar and type 2 diabetes is very close, and people with diabetes face a higher risk of eye and vision problems than the general population . When blood sugar rises over time, as with uncontrolled prediabetes and diabetes, the tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye are damaged. These damaged blood vessels may leak fluid, swell and cause excessive pressure in the eye, and even trigger new blood vessels to start to grow in the eye. The resulting problems may include bleeding, scarring, and dangerous pressure.
Eye diseases commonly associated with diabetes include diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, diabetic macular edema, and cataracts. All of these can cause partial or complete loss of vision.
Sugar can accelerate age-related vision problems
Another way sugar causes eye and vision problems is to accelerate the aging process. Aging and inflammation can cause problems such as macular degeneration , and this happens more quickly in people who consume a lot of sugar. Studies have shown that the higher the sugar content in the diet, the more likely people are to develop age-related macular degeneration in at least one eye.
How eye health affects overall health (and vice versa)
Your overall nutrition affects your eye health because your eyes need certain nutrients (such as vitamins A, B, C, and E) to function properly. Eating too much sugar will not leave enough room in the diet for the vitamins and other nutrients that the eyes need to work.
Turning things over, the health of your eyes will also affect your overall health. People with vision problems are more likely to suffer from heart disease , high blood pressure , back pain, depression, and diabetes.
Promote eye health
To maximize your eye health (and overall health), please consider the following lifestyle changes:
- Give up sugar and choose healthier alternatives
- Wear sunglasses to protect sensitive eyes from UV rays
- Choose anti-inflammatory foods rich in essential vitamins and nutrients
o Examples include fish, low-glycemic carbohydrates such as brown rice, beans, nuts, vegetables and fruits
- Avoid smoking
- Minimize eye strain by taking a break from screen time and using an anti-glare screen
- Wear protective glasses during sports, carpentry, welding and other activities.
By choosing a healthy lifestyle that aims to protect your eyes in the short and long term, you can prioritize your overall health and well-being.
