By Franklin Delgado
Despite their appeal, the abuse of sugary products can have negative consequences for health, especially visible health. An unprecedented high consumption of sugars can increase vulnerability to eye diseases.
Long-term sugar consumption is linked to type 2 diabetes, which creates insulin resistance and various eye problems, including corneal problems (alterations that affect the surface of the eye, making vision difficult) and diabetic retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels of the retina that can lead to serious visual disorders if not controlled).
Prevention and eye care
People affected by diabetes are recommended to have regular visual check-ups. The importance of regular evaluations by visible health professionals is emphasized to prevent complications.
Although the order is not an absolute restriction, it is essential to consume sweets in moderation. A balanced approach, accompanied by a healthy diet, is the best option.
Symptoms of eye problems due to sugar consumption
Initial symptoms of eye problems related to excessive sugar consumption mainly include blurred vision (which can be intermittent or constant) and difficulty focusingespecially after consuming foods rich in sugar.
Early warning symptoms:
- Blurred vision. It occurs due to high levels of sugar that swell the eye tissues that help focus.
- Difficulty focusing. Especially after consuming foods with sugar.
- Greater sensitivity to light. Uncomfortable feeling in front of light sources.
- Floaters or spots. Floating spots, flashes of light or dark areas in the visible field.
- Increased eye fatigue. Even in routine daily activities.
- Frequent headaches. Related to eye strain.
- Difficulty seeing at night. Trouble seeing in low-light areas, possible sign of retinal damage.
- dry eyes. Double chance in people with diabetes, causing blurred vision that improves with blinking.
Blurred vision due to hyperglycemia is temporary and disappears when glucose levels return to normal.
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent blurred vision, ongoing visible discomfort, or increased sensitivity to light.
Role of antioxidants in eye protection
The antioxidants protect eyes from damage caused by excess sugar neutralizing the oxidative stress that hyperglycemia (high levels of glucose) generates in the ocular tissues.
Most relevant antioxidants for eye protection against sugar:
- Lutein and zeaxanthin. They protect the macula and retina; They can delay progression of diabetic retinopathy for up to 5 years.
- Vitamin C. Protects lens and cornea from oxidative damage; reduces risk of cataracts.
- Vitamin E. Protects ocular tissues from free radicals.
- Vitamin A. Protects the cornea and reduces the risk of loss due to macular degeneration.
- Zinc and copper. Important in preventing retinopathy.
- Anthocyanins (blueberries, blackberries). They improve retinal microcirculation.
Recommended food sources
- Green leafy vegetables: spinach, kale, broccoli (lutein/zeaxanthin).
- fresh fruits: oranges, mangoes, blackberries, blueberries, grapes.
- Carrots: beta-carotene (vitamin A).
The strict wait on watch over glycemia continues to be the most effective antioxidant strategy in diabetics, but an adequate supply of antioxidants through a varied diet (fruits, vegetables) or supplements reduces risk and slows progression of eye pathologies associated with sugar.
You may also be interested in:
· High blood pressure in childhood: a silent sentence that can shorten life
· Inhaled insulin: breakthrough in the treatment of type 1 diabetes for children
· Vitamin D and diabetes: the nutrient that the sun can give us, but that the world ignores
