Diabetes and Children’s Vision | Diabetic Eye Disease Month

Diabetes affects millions of people in the United States. It can increase your risk of various health conditions, such as heart disease and kidney disease. Diabetes can also affect the eyes and threaten vision.

Although most often it is adults that are affected by diabetes, children can also develop the condition. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 210,000 young people under the age of 20 are estimated to have diabetes. 
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Damage to the eyes can develop over time due to diabetes. Having diabetes from childhood may mean a greater risk of developing eye problems at a younger age. If you have a child with diabetes, there are things you can do to protect their eyes. 

The difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes 

Two different forms of diabetes may affect children, including type 1 and type 2.

Type 1: People with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin. Although the exact cause is not clear, researchers think it may occur due to problems with the immune system. The immune system is thought to attack the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, type 1 diabetes most often develops in children, teens, and young adults.

Type 2: With type 2 diabetes, people still make insulin at first, but their body starts to resist the effects. Over time, insulin production decreases. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs later in life. It is also linked to obesity and also occurs in children.

Either type of diabetes can cause symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue
• Excessive hunger
• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst 

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How diabetes affects vision in children 

People with either type of diabetes can experience chronically high blood sugar levels, which eventually may lead to eye damage. The damage may occur in childhood or increase the chances of vision problems in adulthood. Children with diabetes may have an increased risk of the following:

Glaucoma: Glaucoma involves damage to the optic nerve, and diabetes doubles the risk. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness. Symptoms include flashes of light, blurry vision, and eye pain.

Diabetic retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy involves damage to the retina in the eye. It may develop due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Symptoms may include blurred vision, floaters, and trouble perceiving color.

Cataracts: Although cataracts are associated with older people, it is possible for them to develop in children, especially if they have diabetes. Symptoms of cataracts include cloudy vision, sensitivity to light, and decreased night vision. According to the National Institute of Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, people with diabetes have double the risk of developing cataracts as compared to those without diabetes. 
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Tips for eye health in children with diabetes 

If you have a child with diabetes, it is vital to take steps to protect their vision and keep their eyes healthy. Consider the following:

Recognize symptoms: Pay attention to symptoms that may indicate your child is having problems with their eyes, such as:

• Flashes of light
• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Poor color vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Floaters

If your child develops any of the above, talk with your eye doctor.

Control blood sugar levels: Out of control blood sugar levels can damage the eyes. The best way to reduce the risk is to maintain good control of blood sugar. Work with your child’s doctor to be sure their diabetes is well managed.

Encourage exercise and healthy eating: Children that are obese and sedentary are at a high risk of developing diabetes both in childhood and into adulthood. Encourage your child to get exercise daily, as well as eat lean protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and plenty of fresh veggies and fruit.

Get regular eye exams: According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, children should begin annual eye exams about three to five years after the onset of diabetes. If your child develops any symptoms of eye problems, see an eye doctor as soon as possible. Regular eye exams can spot any potential problems early before they become serious. In some cases, careful diabetes management may be all that is needed to treat an eye problem in children with diabetes.

If you would like to talk about whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.