Do you have diabetes? If so, you may be experiencing gradual loss of vision and blurred vision. This is actually a common complication of diabetes. Many of us think that this is a problem that only affects our eyes. But the truth is much deeper than that. Today, we'll talk about how vision loss can affect your entire life, especially your mind.
How can an eyesight problem be a burden to the mind?
Imagine, there is a person named Sumana Aunty. She has had diabetes for many years. Some time ago, the doctor told her that she had developed a condition called Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) due to diabetes . Although she didn't pay much attention to it at first, after a few months, her eyesight began to deteriorate significantly.
Sumana, who used to go out alone to visit temples, visit her daughter's house and look after her grandson, was now unable to do even the smallest tasks around the house. Even small things like reading the newspaper, watching TV, and cooking her favorite food were a big challenge for her. She felt as if she had lost her freedom completely.
"I felt very lonely and helpless. Before, even when I went to the store, I would only talk to someone I knew. I lost all that. I felt like a prisoner..."
From Aunt Sumana's story, we understand that a vision-threatening condition like DME is not limited to the eyes. It directly affects our mental health and social relationships .
What is the relationship between DME and mental health?
Simply put, diabetes damages the blood vessels in the retina, causing fluid to leak out. This causes the macula, which is responsible for sharp vision, to swell. This is called Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) . This condition is a result of a condition called Diabetic Retinopathy, which is a type of retinal disease caused by diabetes.
There are several effects this condition can have on your mental health:
- Anxiety and Stress: Thoughts like "Will I lose my eyesight again?" and "Will I become a burden to others?" can cause constant fear and stress.
- Depression: The sadness that arises when you are unable to do the things you want, when you withdraw from society, and when you feel helpless can develop into a state called depression if it persists for a long time.
- Social Isolation: The difficulty of going out, meeting a friend, or going to an event leads to a gradual withdrawal from society.
The most important thing is that this is a two-way relationship .
1. Vision loss due to DME can cause you to feel stressed and depressed.
2. Also, stress and depression can make it harder to control your diabetes. This can make diabetes complications, such as DME, worse.
According to medical experts, it is more accurate to think of these psychological difficulties as "part of diabetes itself" rather than as a side effect of diabetes.
| Sector affected by DME status | Examples of how to influence |
|---|---|
| Daily work | Difficulty driving a vehicle, cooking, reading a newspaper, recognizing banknotes, and taking medication on time. |
| Social connections | Not being able to go to relatives' houses, temple/church. Avoiding meeting friends. Feeling lonely. |
| Employment and the economy | Inability to continue working. Loss of income. Increased costs for treatment. |
| Mental health | Constant fear, anxiety, helplessness, feeling like a burden to others, and frustration with life. |
How do we deal with this situation?
It's normal to feel sad and scared at a time like this. The most important thing is to ask for help, not try to cope with this situation alone.
1. Talk openly with your doctor.
This is the most important step. Tell your eye doctor or diabetes doctor about your vision problems, as well as your feelings. Be open about your fears, worries, and sadness. You may need the help of a psychiatrist or counselor. Your doctor can refer you to them.
2. Control diabetes well
The best way to protect your eyes is to control your diabetes well.
- Keep your blood sugar levels at the level your doctor recommends.
- Control high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Take your medications on time.
- Eat a healthy diet.
3. Get support from family and friends
Tell your family and friends you trust about your situation. Tell them when you need help. It can be a great relief to share your feelings with someone rather than suffering alone.
4. Look for devices that support low vision.
There are devices that can help people with low vision. For example, ask your doctor about things like magnifying glasses, large print books, and audiobooks.
Remember, DME is not something that will stop you. With the right treatment and support, you can overcome this challenge.
Take-Home Message
- DME, a condition that affects vision due to diabetes, can have a major impact on your eyes as well as your mind.
- It's normal to feel sad, scared, and anxious about this. You are not alone.
- The most important thing is to talk openly with your doctor about your vision problem as well as your mental state.
- Keeping diabetes under control is the best way to protect your eyes and overall health.
- Get support from family and friends. Don't try to carry this burden alone.
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