Chronically high blood sugars can affect the eye and cause refractive changes in patients with diabetes. Hyperglycemia is the major cause of refractive eye changes in diabetics, and it can be reversed with correction of abnormal blood sugars.
A study published in the July issue of Cornea investigated the effects of strict glycemic control on refractive eye changes in diabetics. The study enrolled 18 patients with consistent blood sugars above 300. Participants were given dietary guidelines and glycemic control means to maintain blood sugars below 200.
The researchers measured auto refraction, corneal topography, corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, and vision at baseline and post treatment.
They found that improved glycemic control resulted in positive changes to the auto refraction sign. Researchers also found that 9 of 18 patents became far sighted, 2 nearsighted and 7 had no change in vision. Corneal topography was positively affected. There were no changes in anterior chamber depth or corneal thickness.
This study shows positive proof that slight changes in blood sugar regulation can have positive effects on visual performance in patients with chronic hyperglycemia. Aside from diabetes affecting daily activities, decreased visual function can severely impact the quality of life of diabetic patients. Improvement of blood sugar levels from severe hyperglycemic can yield positive effects for eyes as well as other organs in the body and should always be considered the priority of treatment.
Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 22, 2006 09:40 AM
