Diabetic retinopathy: when excess sugar damages the retina

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Extract from the article: Diabetes is a chronic disorder in which the body fails to properly use sugar from food, resulting in an accumulation of sugar in the blood. “Over time, this excess can damage various organs, including the retina, that delicate membrane at the back of

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Diabetes is a chronic disorder in which the body fails to properly use sugar from food, resulting in an accumulation of sugar in the blood. “Over time, this excess can damage various organs, including the retina, that delicate membrane at the back of the eye that records images. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy," says Dr. Kodjo Kossi Serge, endocrinologist, diabetologist and nutritionist at the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital Center in Lomé.

The diabetologist Dr Serges Kodjo explains that this disease progresses frequently in a silent manner. "It can damage the retina for years without causing inconvenience. Sometimes, the first symptoms appear five to ten years after the diagnosis of diabetes, or sometimes at the discovery of diabetes such as blurred vision, straight lines that seem sinuous, the appearance of spots or shadows in the field of vision, colors that seem dull or a rapid decrease in eyesight,” he explains.

But some patients have no symptoms until an advanced stage. Others see the disease evolve more quickly when certain factors are added, informs Dr. Kodjo. " Certain factors increase the risk of complications, notably old or poorly controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, a high rate of bad fats, fragile kidneys, pregnancy, obesity, an unbalanced diet, tobacco or alcohol", the specialist said

Monitor your vision when living with diabetes

A study published in 2022, entitled "Knowledge, attitudes and practices of diabetics on the ocular complications of diabetes in Lomé (Togo)", focused on 150 diabetic patients followed up in 6 care centers. Results: 36.7% of patients had already consulted an ophthalmologist, 41.3% had performed a fundus exam. In this population, diabetic retinopathy was found in 48% of patients. But the study points out that the level of knowledge about eye complications is low (only around 36% know that diabetes can lead to eye complications), and that monitoring practices are insufficient (little screening, little therapeutic education). In Africa, according to various studies, the disease affects between 16 and 77% of people with diabetes.

These figures remind how important it is to monitor one’s eyesight when living with diabetes. The diabetologist insists on the need to consult an ophthalmologist as soon as the diagnosis is made, even if the sight seems normal. “We recommend an eye exam every year. In well-balanced type 2 diabetics without other risk factors, a check-up every two years can sometimes be enough, but always on medical advice,”, he advises.

Several treatment options are available depending on the stage of retinopathy when detected. At first, Dr. Kodjo points out, good control of blood sugar is generally enough to slow its progression. "If the situation improves, the ophthalmologist can recommend laser treatments to remove abnormal vessels, punctures in the eye to soothe inflammation or, in case of severity, surgery is intended to preserve sight," he says.

Preventing the disease from progressing remains the best treatment. Protecting one’s eyes starts with good monitoring of diabetes, well-controlled blood pressure, a healthy diet and stopping smoking or alcohol. Regular screening allows for early detection and action before it is too late. "Diabetes does not make you blind if it is well controlled. But neglecting your eyes can cost your sight," says Dr Serges Kodjo.

William O.