Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the endocrine system, in which there is a deficiency in the formation of its own insulin and an increase in blood glucose levels - hyperglycemia. Many eye pathologies also develop in diabetes mellitus. Special drops are used to treat them. Let's talk about the most popular means.
Doctors have long established that diabetes mellitus directly affects the appearance and development of certain eye diseases. Increased blood sugar spreads to the entire vascular system, including the vessels of the eye organs. At the same time, they quickly collapse, and the walls of newly formed capillaries are extremely fragile. This leads to the release of exudate into the eye area. Visual functions may also be impaired, and clouding of the lens occurs.
What ophthalmological diseases occur in diabetes?
Diabetes causes severe eye pathologies, so patients need to constantly monitor their vision and regularly visit an ophthalmologist. These are the disorders the disease provokes.
Diabetic retinopathy is a vascular pathology in which the walls of the capillaries are damaged. As a result, some of them begin to narrow and become clogged, while others expand. Then some dilated vessels burst, and pinpoint hemorrhages appear in the eyes, which gradually merge into hemophthalmos. In the clogged areas, a lack of oxygen begins, the growth of connective tissue begins, and all this leads to detachment of the retina.
Neovascular glaucoma With this disease, intraocular pressure increases, and blood vessels begin to grow into the iris and anterior chamber of the eye, inhibiting the outflow of fluid. This condition leads to optic nerve atrophy. This type of glaucoma is difficult to treat and often results in blindness.
Cataract Due to metabolic disorders, clouding of the lens begins. It is usually a disease of the elderly that develops after age 60, but can occur at a young age in diabetics.
Signs and complications detected in patients with diabetic ophthalmopathy
Diabetes mellitus is accompanied by disturbances in the microcirculation of the conjunctiva of the eye. When examining the conjunctiva of the eye with a slit lamp in patients with diabetic ophthalmopathy, an increase in the tortuosity of the venules, dilation of the capillaries in the form of aneurysms, destruction of the capillaries and their blockage with blood clots are noted.
A characteristic sign of diabetic ophthalmopathy when examining the iris is sclerosis of the vessels of the iris, neovascularization, i.e. formation of new blood vessels, called rubeosis. At the same time, the iris loses its elasticity and mobility, which impairs the possibility of its expansion with the help of medications. Due to rubeosis and the proliferation of connective tissue at the site of hemorrhages, the outflow of intraocular fluid is disrupted, which leads to increased intraocular pressure and the development of secondary diabetic glaucoma
. Most often, rubeous glaucoma in patients with diabetes mellitus is combined with cataracts, retinal detachment and intraocular hemorrhage.
Patients with diabetes mellitus, due to a decrease in local and general immunity, are more susceptible to the influence of stress factors and pathogens of infectious diseases. This is why diabetic ophthalmopathy often manifests itself in the form of inflammation of the conjunctiva, blepharitis, and erosive lesions of the cornea. Pathological processes do not bypass the lens, the volume of which increases, which leads to a decrease in the depth of the anterior chamber and the development of diabetic cataracts
. In addition, due to disruption of metabolic processes, there is a weakening of the capsular-ligamentous apparatus of the lens, which increases the risk of subluxation.
What methods are used to treat eye diseases in diabetes?
When eye pathologies are detected in a person with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, timely therapy can be applied, which will significantly slow down the deterioration of the visual organs. Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of these diseases. For direct treatment, eye drops are usually used. Surgery may be necessary in severe or advanced cases of the disease. The risk group includes absolutely all patients with diabetes. To control the course of the disease, you need to undergo regular examinations with a doctor, monitor your diet, monitor blood glucose levels and take action if they increase. Eye drops for diabetes mellitus are preventive and therapeutic. All of them have a positive effect on blood vessels, increasing their elasticity and strengthening the walls, normalizing blood microcirculation in the organs of vision.
What should a diabetic do to avoid dry eye syndrome and its complications?
Let us give you some advice:
- First, listen to yourself. Any new sensations, and especially visual discomfort, are a reason to see an ophthalmologist. You should not ignore preventive examinations, even if nothing hurts.
- Secondly, monitor your blood sugar. It needs to be constantly monitored, glycated hemoglobin and other tests taken, and regular visits to the doctor. Uncontrolled “jumps” in sugar gradually disrupt the functioning of all organs, including affecting vision.
- Thirdly, do not play roulette with food and medicine. Only a low-carbohydrate diet, careful taking of medications, and giving up bad habits can help a diabetic keep the disease “in control,” that is, compensate, and not allow complications to develop, including “dry eye” and retinal damage.
Antiglaucoma eye drops for diabetes
The main danger with glaucoma is increased eye pressure, which can lead to optic nerve atrophy. The purpose of the drops is to improve the outflow of fluid from the eyes and reduce its increased amount. Let's look at the most popular drugs.
- "Pilocarpine"
The main active ingredient is pilocarpine hydrochloride. The drops cause a constriction of the pupil, reduce pressure, helping the outflow of intraocular fluid, and also eliminate spasm of accommodation. The drug is effective for up to 14 hours.
- "Timolol"
The active ingredient is timolol maleate. Its effect occurs half an hour after administration and lasts approximately 1.5-2 hours. However, timolol can cause adverse reactions: allergies, blurred vision, etc.
- "Betaxolol"
Prescribed for chronic pathologies of the eyeball against the background of increased blood sugar. Two hours after instillation, intraocular pressure decreases. The medicine may last up to 24 hours. When treating with Betaxolol, you need to pay attention to third-party reactions (lacrimation, photophobia, itching). If they occur, the drug should be stopped immediately. Compliance with the dosage is also important - if it is increased, insomnia or neurosis may occur.
- "Ganfort"
The active ingredients in these drops are timolol and bimatoprost. Their effect allows you to stop clouding of the lens and pathology of the eyeball. However, Ganfort has many contraindications, so it is prescribed with caution.
The principle of using topical medications for glaucoma in diabetes mellitus is approximately the same: 1-2 drops are carefully injected into the conjunctival sac. The effect of the drug begins in approximately 10–30 minutes, depending on the degree and form of glaucoma, as well as on the concentration of active substances in the drug. The procedure must be repeated 1–3 times a day, depending on the doctor’s recommendations.
Recommendations for the use of drops
Eye drop solutions for patients with diabetes mellitus are prescribed and discontinued only by a doctor. At the same time, it is recommended that they be used with strict adherence to the dosage and frequency of instillations, otherwise the risk of severe side effects increases (especially in the treatment of glaucoma). The duration of a course of therapy with eye drops is on average 2-3 weeks, with the exception of glaucoma, in which drops are prescribed for a long time. Eye drop solutions can be prescribed as monotherapy or in complex therapy for hyperglycemia to prevent the development of secondary eye changes.
Drops for eye cataracts in type 2 diabetes mellitus
The main function of the lens is to refract light rays so that they fall directly on the retina. Only in this case does a person have normal vision. This natural lens is naturally clear, but when cataracts occur, it begins to become cloudy. The more severe the diabetes, the cloudier the lens becomes. A radical way to get rid of this is the procedure of lensectomy, that is, replacing the natural lens, which has lost its properties, with an intraocular lens, which will ensure normal functioning of the eye.
But in the early stages of diabetes, timely therapy will stop damage to the lens. In addition, surgical intervention cannot be performed on all people due to the presence of third-party contraindications. These are the drops used to treat cataracts in diabetics.
- "Katalin." They prevent the processes of sedimentation of protein deposits and the formation of insoluble structures in the lens.
- “Potassium iodide” strengthens the local immunity of the organs of vision, promotes the breakdown of protein deposits and has a strong antimicrobial effect.
- "Katachrome". Effectively moisturize the eyes, protect them from negative influences, stimulate metabolic processes, and help remove free radicals from the tissues of the eye structures. The drops protect the lens from destruction and promote the regeneration of its damaged cells, which is important for developing cataracts.
Features of preoperative preparation
Before the operation, the patient undergoes a thorough examination by an otolaryngologist, dentist, endocrinologist and therapist. Lens phacoemulsification is not performed without the permission of these specialists. Blood tests can rule out the presence of hepatitis and HIV infection, and also check the speed of blood clotting. An electrocardiogram is required to assess heart function.
Contraindications to surgical intervention include diagnosed lens subluxation and severe renal failure. Cloudiness of a large area of the optical lens complicates the ophthalmoscopy procedure. If it cannot give a real picture of the condition of the lens, an ultrasound B-scan is performed. During this procedure, the presence of secondary diseases is determined and possible complications are predicted.
Drugs for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy
This eye pathology occurs with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which lasts for a long time. In addition, it aggravates the symptoms of the underlying disease and can lead to cataracts or glaucoma. Treatment for retinopathy should be started immediately if it is diagnosed. The first signs are burst blood vessels in the whites of the eyes. Gradually they become thicker, and then merge into noticeable red spots - hemophthalmos.
At an early stage of the disease, vitamin preparations are used to stop progression. They replenish the deficiency of essential nutrients, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and improve blood circulation. Here is a list of popular eye drops for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy:
- "Taufon". The active ingredients of this product are taurine and various vitamins. They are also used for treatment of glaucoma. The medicine relieves fatigue and eye strain, accelerates metabolic processes. The course of treatment can last up to 1 month, then you should take a break.
- "Riboflavin". The drops eliminate dry mucous membranes, replenish the lack of vitamins A and C, and help cope with inflammatory diseases that diabetics are susceptible to - conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis.
- "Quinax." Their active component, sodium azapentacene polysulfonate, accelerates the work of enzymes in the anterior chamber of the eye. After introducing the drops, a thin film is formed on the surface of the organs of vision, protecting them from external influences.
- "Lakemox" and "Emoxipin" help moisturize the mucous membrane and accelerate the resorption of hemorrhages inside the eye caused by vascular damage.
- “Hilo-chest of drawers” help eliminate the feeling of dryness that occurs due to disturbances in the proper nutrition of eye tissue.
All medications are prescribed by an ophthalmologist, taking into account the degree and severity of the disease, as well as individual contraindications. He will also indicate the recommended time of the therapeutic course. Diabetics should visit a doctor regularly for eye exams to detect eye problems early and begin appropriate treatment.
MagazinLinz.ru team
Rules for the use of eye medications
It is necessary to follow certain rules for the use of eye drops for type 2 diabetes:
- Before using the drug, wash your hands with antibacterial soap;
- Then you need to sit comfortably on a chair, tilt your head back slightly;
- After this, the patient needs to pull back the lower eyelid and look at the ceiling;
- An appropriate amount of medicine is dripped behind the lower eyelid. Then it is recommended to close your eyes. This is necessary to ensure that the drug is distributed evenly.
Important! In some cases, patients feel the taste of the medicine after instillation. There is a simple explanation for this circumstance. The drops enter the tear duct, from there they enter the mouth through the nose.
Cataract remedies for patients with diabetes
Cataract is a physiological condition involving clouding of the lens. With this pathology, a person's vision deteriorates significantly. Cataracts develop even in young patients with diabetes.
The following symptoms of pathology are distinguished:
- Double vision;
- Increased sensitivity to light;
- Dizziness;
- Deterioration of vision at night;
- The appearance of a veil before the eyes;
- Vagueness of objects.
You can fight this disease in various ways. In advanced cases, the patient requires surgical intervention . At the early stage of the disease, you can use the following eye drops for diabetes:
Quinax
Catalin
The product "Katalin" helps to activate metabolic processes in the area of the lens.
These eye drops for type 2 diabetes are also prescribed to prevent the appearance of visual disturbances. They reduce the likelihood of cataracts. The drug prevents the conversion of glucose to sorbitol. This substance reduces the transparency of the lens. The package with the drug "Katalin" contains one tablet with the active substance (sodium pyrenoxine) and a bottle with 15 ml of solvent. To make eye drops for diabetes, the tablet is mixed with a solvent. It is recommended to drip one drop of Catalina four times a day. The duration of the therapeutic course is determined by the ophthalmologist. When treated with eye drops for diabetics, undesirable side effects are observed: burning and itching, redness of the eyes.
It is recommended to store eye drops for cataracts in type 2 diabetes in a dry place, protected from sunlight.
Medicine that helps with glaucoma
With glaucoma, there is an increase in intraocular pressure. In complex therapy of the disease, medications from the group of adrenergic blockers are used: Timolol, Betaxolol. It is recommended to drip 1 drop of Timolol twice a day. The medication is not prescribed to patients suffering from chronic heart failure or severe bronchial asthma.
When using Timolol, the following side effects occur:
- Burning in the eyes;
- Headache;
- Photophobia;
- Reduced blood pressure;
- Muscle weakness.
More details about Timolol and other drugs for the treatment of glaucoma are described in the video:
Eye medications against retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a vascular disease of the eyes. The disease causes serious damage to fiber. Conservative methods of combating diabetic retinopathy make it possible to stop the development of unfavorable changes in the structure of blood vessels.
The following drugs are used to treat the disease:
Emoxipin
The product helps to resolve hemorrhages in the eyes. The medicine should not be used if there is an individual sensitivity to its active ingredients “Emoxipin”. It is recommended to drip 2 drops of the medication twice a day. When using the drug, a burning sensation is observed in the eye area.
Hilo chest of drawers
The medication reduces dry eyes. When using Hilo-chest, side effects are quite rarely observed. Eye drops for diabetes mellitus should be used three times a day.
Causes and symptoms of itchy skin in diabetes mellitus
Riboflavin
The medicine is also prescribed for type 2 diabetes. It contains vitamin B2. This substance improves the patient's vision. In some cases, when using drops, an allergic reaction occurs. You should instill one drop of Riboflavin twice a day.
Lakemox
The product reduces eye puffiness. The medicine interacts poorly with medications that contain metal salts.
The drug is not recommended for use in cases of increased susceptibility to the components of the product or a pronounced tendency to allergic reactions. Patients under 18 years of age should not use the product.
You need to drip two drops of Lakemox three times a day. The duration of the therapeutic course is one month. After five months, treatment can be resumed.
Important!
Eye drops for diabetes should be used with caution. After using the drugs "Riboflavin" and "Lakemox", the clarity of vision may temporarily decrease. This circumstance must be taken into account when working with complex mechanisms and driving a car. You should drive a vehicle no earlier than 15 minutes after instilling the drug.
Drops for internal use for diabetes
In combination with eye drops, you can take Anti Diabet Nano for internal use. The product improves the patient's well-being. You need to drink five drops of medicine twice a day.
The duration of the course of treatment is one month. Before use, the product is dissolved in a sufficient amount of liquid.
The drug helps strengthen the immune system, lower cholesterol levels, and reduces blood glucose levels.
Treatment of eye diseases with traditional methods
Lilac flowers will help improve vision in diabetes:
- To prepare a medicinal solution, you need to pour 5 grams of plant material into 200 ml of water;
- The mixture must be infused for at least 20 minutes;
- Then the product is filtered.
You need to soak two cotton swabs in the resulting solution. They are applied to the eyes for 5 minutes.
It is recommended to drip a product made from mint at home into the eyes. Mint juice is mixed with honey and water in equal proportions (5 ml each). The resulting solution should be instilled into the eyes twice a day.
