Diabetes leads to reduced immunity. This increases the chances of many infectious diseases. When it comes to the eyes, diabetes causes diabetic retinopathy and various infections of the conjunctiva including bacterial and viral conjunctivitis.
Diabetes and eyes – Diseases of the Conjunctiva
Diabetes increases the risk of both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis. In conjunctivitis, the eye turns pink and there is inflammation of the white part of the eyes.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis
- Rey eye (pink)
- Swelling of the conjunctiva
- Excessive tearing
Diabetes and Pinguecula
Pinguecula is an abnormal growth on the surface of the eye. This is indicative of an abnormal conjunctival tissue and is common among people with diabetes. It is conjunctival degeneration that is a diabetes side effect.
Symptoms of Pinguecula
- White or yellow elevated areas on the surface of the eye
- Elevated growth that appear on the conjunctiva, normally at the corner of the eye or near the nose
- Pinguecula can appear in one of both of the eyes
- No vision changes occur in Pinguecula as it does not appear on the cornea.
