Glaucoma and Diabetes: What Is the Relationship?

Diabetes is a chronic (long-term) medical condition that, if not properly managed, can lead to various complications. These include problems with the kidneys, nerves, feet, gums, and eyes. Diabetes doubles the risk of developing glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that can lead to vision loss and blindness if not properly treated.

This article will discuss the link between diabetes and glaucoma, including how to treat and manage the conditions simultaneously.

Connection Between Glaucoma and Diabetes

Diabetes, if not properly managed, can lead to vision problems. High blood glucose (sugar) levels can affect the fluid levels in your eye tissues, which may lead to swelling. This swelling can cause blurred vision. The vision impairment caused by swollen eye tissue is usually temporary and resolves once blood glucose levels return to normal.

However, if blood glucose levels remain high in the long term, tiny blood vessels in the eye may be damaged and can lead to more permanent injury to the eye.

New, thin, and delicate blood vessels may also begin to grow. These thin blood vessels are easily damaged and can bleed, ultimately leading to increased pressure inside the eye. These can lead to diabetic eye disease.

Diabetic eye disease includes a group of several eye problems, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that causes damage to the optic nerve which is the bundle of nerve fibers that relays messages from the eye to the brain.

An estimated 79.6 million people worldwide had glaucoma in 2020. Glaucoma can lead to partial or full blindness if not treated early and properly.

Risks

Having diabetes increases your risk of developing glaucoma two-fold. Some research suggests that having diabetes can increase a person’s risk of developing open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma) by 36%. This increased risk is mainly due to the damage to the eye that high blood glucose levels can cause. 

There is not enough research available to suggest that someone with glaucoma is at higher risk of developing diabetes.

Having both diabetes and glaucoma, especially if the diabetes is not properly managed, can worsen glaucoma.

Treatment and Management of Glaucoma with Diabetes

Having two medical conditions can double your concerns about how to care for both diseases. By working with your healthcare team and following the treatment plan set out by them, you can manage both conditions and still be productive and have a good quality of life.

 Diet

There is no specific diet prescribed for people with diabetes and glaucoma. Nevertheless, a balanced, nutritious diet full of vegetables, fruits, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats is a good way to help manage diabetes and glaucoma.

For guidance on what to eat, talk with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

Physical Activity

Aerobic physical activity can benefit both diabetes and glaucoma. It’s recommended to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly.

People with glaucoma should avoid exercises that cause them to invert their head or body, putting increased pressure on the eyes. This includes performing certain yoga positions.

Medications

Both diabetes and glaucoma are often managed with the aid of medications. Medications may be oral (pills), injectable, inhaled, or require drops to be placed in the eyes. If you are prescribed medication, always take it as directed.

Do not stop taking your medication without first talking with your healthcare provider. If your medication has undesirable side effects, speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about ways to help decrease the side effects or if a change in medication could help.

Laser Treatment and Surgery

Some treatment options for people with glaucoma include laser treatment and eye surgery. Laser treatment will often be considered before surgery because it is less invasive. Surgery for glaucoma won’t cure the disease or help you regain lost vision. However, it can help protect your current vision and prevent it from worsening.

Some people with type 2 diabetes may consider metabolic (bariatric) surgery to help them lose weight and possibly put their diabetes into remission. This surgery is not without side effects. The decision to undergo surgery must not be taken lightly.

Your healthcare provider can help you determine if you are a good candidate for this type of surgery and if it is right for you.

Related Conditions

With both diabetes and glaucoma, monitoring for other related conditions is critical. There may be a higher risk of developing other types of diabetic eye disease, such as retinopathy and cataracts. High blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, kidney disease, and nerve damage are also risks.

Prevention

If you have diabetes or glaucoma, you may delay or prevent the development of the other condition by taking some extra measures.

Screenings

Because of the higher risk of developing eye problems, it’s recommended that people with diabetes get an eye examination at least once a year. This is especially important because sometimes there aren’t any noticeable early symptoms of glaucoma.

Similarly, if you have glaucoma or have other risk factors for diabetes, it’s important to have regular diabetes screenings by your healthcare provider. In addition to eye exams and diabetes screenings, your healthcare provider may perform other screenings, such as for high blood pressure and cholesterol. 

Lifestyle Changes

Participating in healthy lifestyle activities, including regular physical activity and eating a nutritious diet, benefits everyone. A healthy lifestyle can help people with diabetes and glaucoma better manage their conditions and help prevent complications.

If you have diabetes or glaucoma, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting a new diet or exercise routine. Other lifestyle changes that can be beneficial include avoiding smoking and getting enough quality sleep each night.

Symptoms to Watch For

If you have diabetes and experience any of the following symptoms related to diabetic eye disease, talk with your healthcare provider for a possible screening or examination:

• Blurry vision
• Vision that frequently changes—sometimes daily
• Dark areas in the eye or vision loss
• Poor color vision
• Spots or dark strings in your field of vision (called floaters)
• Flashes of light

The following are signs of symptoms of diabetes to be aware of:

• Feeling very thirsty 
• Feeling very hungry
• Needing to urinate frequently
• Unintentional weight loss
• Blurry vision
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Fatigue
• Very dry skin
• Sores or wounds that take a long time to heal
• More infections than usual

Summary

Having diabetes increases your risk of developing glaucoma. Having glaucoma also increases your risk of developing diabetes. Increased pressure in the eye can cause the development of abnormal blood vessels, which may lead to diabetic eye disease, including glaucoma.

Comanaging these conditions often requires lifestyle changes (such as to diet and physical activity), medication, and surgery. Regular screenings, including eye exams, blood glucose checks, and others, can help prevent or delay additional complications.

A Word From Verywell

Having both diabetes and glaucoma may feel overwhelming. However, by working with your healthcare team to create a treatment plan and lead a healthy lifestyle, you can help prevent or delay complications from developing. Many people with glaucoma and diabetes lead happy and productive lives.