Diabetes and ocular health research

Medical research and clinical insights continue to highlight the connection between diabetes, dietary habits, and vision loss. Technological advancements, specifically ultra-widefield (UWF) retinal imaging, are improving diagnostic capabilities by capturing approximately 82% of the retina. This method allows for the detection of peripheral lesions, which are associated with a nearly five-fold increased risk of diabetic retinopathy progression.

Research also indicates that Type 2 diabetes may influence the progression of primary open-angle glaucoma, with diabetic eyes showing different patterns of retinal nerve fiber layer thinning compared to non-diabetic eyes. Clinical experts warn that high blood sugar and the habitual consumption of ultra-processed foods are significant risk factors for retinal damage and irreversible blindness. Glucose spikes can damage delicate retinal blood vessels, while diets high in sugar may compromise ocular health by affecting circulation. Specialists recommend nutrient-dense diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, to help protect eye tissues from oxidative stress.

In Brazil, experts from the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology (CBO) and the Brazilian Diabetes Society emphasize that the retina is one of the most sensitive organs to the vascular damage caused by diabetes. Maria Auxiliadora Frazão, president of the CBO, notes that controlling blood glucose levels is vital for eye health. Medical professionals stress that vision loss is not inevitable; complications typically arise when the disease is poorly managed or undiagnosed. To prevent damage, the CBO recommends that diabetic patients consult an ophthalmologist regularly, preferably once a year, using the fundus examination as a primary detection method.