Having a diagnosis of diabetes significantly increases your risk of developing glaucoma.
The primary relationship between glaucoma and diabetes is that a diagnosis of diabetes doubles your risk for developing glaucoma. This means individuals with diabetes are more likely to be affected by this eye condition compared to those without diabetes.
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease where pressure builds up around your eye. This increased pressure threatens the vital structures responsible for vision: your retina and optic nerve.
Key takeaways from the relationship:
- Increased Risk: Diabetes substantially elevates the likelihood of developing glaucoma.
- Mechanism of Glaucoma: Glaucoma involves pressure around the eye affecting the retina and optic nerve.
- Consequences: If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to:
- Serious impairment of your vision.
- Partial or total blindness.
Therefore, if you have diabetes, being aware of the increased risk for glaucoma and monitoring your eye health is crucial for preserving your vision.