A diabetes diagnosis is often followed by a treatment plan that is designed to help you protect your overall health by keeping your blood sugar levels under control. Although uncontrolled diabetes can affect any part of your body, you must be aware of the serious effects that fluctuations in your blood sugar can have on your eye health.
Over time, the changes in your glucose levels can affect the small blood vessels in your eyes. In some cases, new vessels may grow or older ones may weaken and break. These types of changes can lead to vision loss if they go untreated, but you can use these tips to prevent diabetes from affecting your eye health.
When you have diabetes, your ophthalmologist looks for specific diabetic eye diseases that are known to occur in people with fluctuations in their blood sugar. Diabetic retinopathy is one type of eye disease that occurs when the blood vessels surrounding the retina of your eye begin to leak and the excess fluid blurs your vision.
Diabetic macular edema is another eye condition that occurs if diabetic retinopathy goes too long without treatment. With this condition, a part of the retina called the macula begins to swell and cause changes in your ability to see clearly. Early treatment of these conditions gives you the best chances of preserving your vision.
Glaucoma and cataracts are two common eye conditions that tend to occur with aging. While anyone can develop these eye problems, you are at an increased risk of having glaucoma or cataracts when you have diabetes. As with the other diabetic eye diseases, your ophthalmologist checks for these conditions during your regular exams.
Eye diseases often begin slowly, and you may not always notice the damage until the disease is advanced. But you need to be alert for changes in your vision that are cause for concern. For instance, any sudden blurriness or clouding of your vision should be reported to your ophthalmologist.
People with diabetic eye diseases may also experience symptoms such as seeing floaters in their vision. You may also have trouble seeing things with your peripheral vision or notice that straight lines look wavy. A
diabetic eye care specialistshould also assess redness, watery eyes, or pain around your eye area.
Since the majority of diabetic eye conditions are caused by fluctuations in your blood sugar, your best course of preventative action is to work with your medical team to keep your glucose levels stabilized.
Work with your physician to implement a diet and exercise plan that fits your personal need. Then, follow the treatment plan provided for your diabetic care, and make arrangements for assistance with monitoring your blood sugar and administering medication, if it is necessary.
You can also implement other strategies that protect your overall eye health. Try to lower your eye's exposure to UV rays by wearing sunglasses anytime you are outside. You can also prevent eye strain by taking frequent breaks from the computer, and people who smoke should consider quitting to further protect the vessels in their eyes.
