Preventing Diabetic Eye Problems
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People with diabetes are at a greater risk of potential eye problems referred to as diabetic eye disease. Over time, high blood glucose levels can contribute to changes in the blood vessels of the eye which can lead to vision loss or blindness. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in American adults ages 20 to 74. Since vision may not change until the disease becomes severe, it is critical to see an ophthalmologist for an annual dilated eye exam.
Diabetic eye disease can include the following:
This affects blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue called the retina that lines the back of the eye. It is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes and the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness among adults.
This is a consequence of diabetic retinopathy causing a swelling in an area of the retina called the macula.
This causes a clouding of the eye’s lens. Individuals with diabetes are 2-5 times more likely than those without diabetes to develop cataracts with a tendency to develop it at an earlier age.
· Glaucoma
Glaucoma damages the eye’s optic nerve which is a bundle of nerve fibers connecting the eye to the brain. People with diabetes have twice the risk of developing glaucoma than those without diabetes.
How to prevent diabetic eye problems
If diagnosed with diabetes you must see an ophthalmologist yearly for an eye exam. The longer you have diabetes, the more likely you will have some form of diabetic eye disease. The good news is there are steps you can take to avoid these complications:
1. Tight blood glucose control
Controlling blood glucose can slow the progression of diabetic eye disease or retinopathy. Since high blood glucose levels can sometimes make you vision blurry, good blood glucose control can actually help you see more clearly. Regularly monitor your blood glucose with a blood glucose monitoring system striving to keep blood glucose within normal levels.
2. Tight blood pressure control
Uncontrolled blood pressure can actually make your eye problems worse. Lowering your blood pressure can help reduce your risk of eye complications.
3. Quit smoking
It is imperative to stop smoking if you have diabetes. Talk with your healthcare professional about finding ways to quit smoking.
4. Annual eye exams
An annual visit with an eye care professional is necessary as your vision may not change until the disease becomes severe. The visit should also include a dilated eye exam.
5. Be aware of the warning signs
There are no symptoms present in the early stages and only an eye care professional can recognize changes through a dilated eye exam. If the disease advances, the following warning signs may be present – blurry vision, difficulty reading, and seeing spots or floaters.