DIABETES & EYE DAMAGE

BLURRY VISION

In the early stages of diabetes the eyes can be affected by blurred vision.   This is caused by fluid seeping into the lens of the eyes.  This causes it to swell and interferes with focusing.   Once the diabetes is treated properly, the lens most often resumes it's normal shape and the blurry vision goes away.   Blurry vision can also be caused by fluctuating blood sugars.   In both cases the
blurry vision usually doesn't last long (a few weeks) and goes away once the blood sugars get (and stay) in a good range.
 

GLAUCOMA

Diabetics are more apt to get glaucoma than the general population.  Anyone over 40 should be checked regularly for glaucoma, but if diabetes is present that person should also be checked regularly.   Glaucoma can be diagnosed with a simple test that measures the pressure on the eye.
When treated promptly glaucoma can be managed.  Treatment might include eye drops that cause proper fluid exchange.
 

CATARACTS

Cataracts is another condition that usually comes with age, but people with diabetes are more apt to get cataracts.   Cataracts happens with the lens of the eye becomes cloudy.  Poor diabetes control can speed up the process of developing cataracts.   Cataracts can be treated with surgery.
 

RETINOPATHY

The most serious problem that can develop in the eye due  to diabetes is retinopathy.    The retina is a thin light sensitive inner lining in the back of the eye.   The damage happens in the small blood vessels of the retina which are easily harmed by high blood glucose levels in the blood.  About 90 percent of people who have had diabetes over 25 years will have some blood vessel changes in
their eyes.

Complete blindness is rare if the retinopathy is found early and treated.   As a matter of fact, most
people who have blood vessel changes in their eyes don't even notice it and are told by their doctor on their regular eye exam visits.    It's because of this that early eye exams are a MUST for people with diabetes.
 

PREVENTING EYE DISEASE

Preventing eye disease when diabetes is in the picture is the best way to stay away from the problem.  How can this be done?   Well, there are no guarantees but here are a few tips:

a) try to keep the blood sugar level in a good range
b) visit your eye doctor at LEAST once a year
c) have a complete eye exam that includes dilated pupils

You are a key player when it comes to taking care of your eyes.  Only you can take yourself to the
eye doctor.  You have to schedule the appointments and keep them.    Your sight is so important.  Try to do all you can to keep it healthy.