A study published in BMJ Open has identified a significant factor tripling the risk of eye diseases in older adults with diabetes: high blood sugar levels. Researchers at University College London reached this conclusion after analyzing 14 years of health data from 5600 individuals over the age of 52.
The study found that people with elevated levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c over 6.5 percent) had a 31 percent probability of experiencing retinal damage. In contrast, the risk was significantly lower, only 9 percent, for those who maintained their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Furthermore, participants with high blood sugar were more prone to developing conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Individuals with undiagnosed diabetes were found to be particularly susceptible, facing a 38 percent higher risk of maculodystrophy compared to those aware of their diagnosis and managing their condition.
The researchers underscore the critical need for early detection and effective management of diabetes, alongside regular eye examinations for older adults. They believe that prompt diagnosis and support in controlling blood sugar can substantially decrease the incidence of vision loss.
Separately, earlier research explored potential treatments for age-related retinal damage, proposing the use of gold nanoparticles combined with gentle laser stimulation. Experiments demonstrated improvements in visual function and a favorable safety profile for this method.
