Diabetic Eye Care

Approximately 29 million Americans have diabetes, and more than half of these individuals are at risk for vision loss and other health problems

Diabetic eye disease, a group of eye problems that affect those with diabetes, includes diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma and more. The most common of these is, diabetic retinopathy which affects approximately 6 million Americans.

Diabetic retinopathy is potentially vision threating disease, in which the blood vessels inside the retina are damaged from the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes. This leads to the leakage of fluids into the retina and obstruction of blood flow. Both may result in vision loss and, if left untreated, eventual blindness.

More than one-third of those diagnosed with diabetes do not receive the recommended vision care and may be at risk for blindness. There are often no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, and your vision may not be affected until the disease becomes severe. There is currently no cure for diabetic retinopathy. The only method to mange the disease is consistent eye care and routine checks by a qualified eye surgeon in order to catch the disease early.

Once diagnosed with diabetes, it is essential to establish routine eye care with your eye doctor. Make an appointment promptly if you experience, blurred vision, floaters the only effect one eye, floaters that last longer than a few days, floaters that are not associated with blood sugar changes. Typically, we suggest yearly appointment with a qualified eye doctor for routine testing to check for early signs detection. Once diagnosed your doctor will likely recommend more frequent exams.

In advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy, laser treatment has been shown to reduce the loss of vision. This surgery does not cure diabetic retinopathy, nor does it prevent future vision loss especially if diabetes or blood pressure is not controlled.

Diabetes can also affect your vision by causing cataracts and glaucoma. If you have diabetes, you may get cataracts at a younger age, and your chances of developing glaucoma are doubled. Diabetes effects just about every system in your body, especially your eyes.

Early diagnosis of diabetes and effective control of blood sugar and hypertension through diet exercise and medication can help to reduce your risk of developing eye disease associated with diabetes. Management of your diabetes is the best way to prevent these diseases from forming.