According to the American Diabetes Association, people suffering from either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, a disease where your blood sugar or glucose levels remain too high, possess a greater risk than the general population of eye disease and eventual blindness. It’s especially crucial that they be seen regularly by an optometrist to maintain good eye health. The diabetes are more susceptible to certain eye-related diseases. Dr. Patel and our team diagnose such eye issues as:
Retinopathy
High blood sugar levels due to diabetes may inflict damage upon the small blood vessels in your retina. Left untreated, this can cause blindness. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:
- Blurry vision
- Floaters, such as spots, lines, or circles, in your eye
- Dark or blank areas within your field of vision
- Poor night vision
Many people with diabetes-related retinopathy won’t notice any vision changes at all. That’s why it’s crucial to receive regular checkups.
Glaucoma
The longer one suffers from diabetes, the more likely they’ll get glaucoma, the world’s second highest cause of blindness. Glaucoma occurs when pressure increases in one or both of your eyes, compressing your blood vessels. This makes it more difficult for blood to flow to the retina and optic nerve at the back of your eyes. It also blocks your eye’s natural drainage system, resulting in diminished eyesight.
Cataracts
When your eye’s proteins bunch together, they can cause a cataract, a thick, cloudy area on your lens. Cataracts prevent your lens from sending clear images to your retina, resulting in blurred vision. We may suggest glare-controlled lenses or sunglasses for mild cases or replacing your eye’s lens with an artificial lens in more extensive situations. Diabetics, however, may experience complications following surgery, such as increased retinopathy, which can lead to glaucoma.
Treating diabetes-related eye issues
During extended periods of high blood sugar, as occurs with diabetes, fluid may accumulate within the eye’s lens, altering its curvature. This swelling leads to vision changes. You can usually correct these problems by maintaining proper blood sugar levels. We’ll help you keep your blood sugar within target range to reverse certain eye conditions, enabling your lens to return to its normal shape.
It’s also important to control your cholesterol and blood pressure to ward off these issues. Once we diagnose your disease, our team advises you how to proceed. Treatments for diabetic retinopathy include:
Photocoagulation
We make miniscule burns on your retina via laser to stop blood vessels from increasing and possibly leaking.
Vitrectomy
When photocoagulation is no longer an option, we reduce blood within the eye by removing scar tissue and fluid.
Our team also injects a drug to block the hormone called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which encourages the growth of weaker blood vessels within your eyes. Anti-VEGF drugs halt this development to counteract vision changes due to diabetic retinopathy.
An ounce of prevention
The sooner we diagnose your eye problems, the better. To schedule your yearly diabetic eye exam, or discuss any diabetes-related or other eye issues with our experienced optometrists, call us or book an appointment online with Classic Vision Care today.
You Might Also Enjoy…
Are Glasses Better than Contacts?
Trying to decide between wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses? Consider all the factors, including comfort, ease, and appearance. We’ve compiled a list of pros and cons to help you see your way through this significant decision.
Why Sunglasses are Important All Year Long
No doubt you always have your favorite shades close by all summer. But sunglasses protect your eyes all year long, even during darker winter months. Learn how they shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays any time of year.
How Astigmatism Affects Your Vision
Astigmatism causes a variety of symptoms ranging from blurred vision to eye discomfort and pressure. Understand how a comprehensive eye exam can pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and get your sight back on track.
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?Could you be at risk for glaucoma? The short answer is that everyone, especially seniors, is at risk for glaucoma. Learn how to lessen your odds of losing your sight through early detection and treatment.
5 Steps to Prevent Diabetic Eye Disease People with diabetes are more vulnerable to certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Learn what steps you can take to slow their progression and potentially avoid them in the first place.
Am I a Candidate for Contact Lenses?
If you need vision correction, contact lenses are a popular option. If you’re simply tired of your glasses or just looking to see the world more clearly, discover whether contact lenses may be the perfect fit for you.