Those with diabetes are likely aware of the toll that this serious medical condition can take on the body. It can be challenging to keep up with all of the health-related tasks associated with the condition, including sticking to a specific diet and regularly monitoring your blood sugar. Failing to manage your diabetes can jeopardize your body, from your nerves to your major organs. High blood sugar can also threaten your vision. Managing your diabetes is key to avoiding diabetes-related eye damage and vision loss. Below, Dr. Stein details how patients with diabetes can preserve their vision.
Understanding Diabetes-Related Eye Conditions
Diabetic retinopathy: Poorly controlled blood sugar can put patients with diabetes at risk for diabetic retinopathy. This condition occurs when blood vessels in the retina swell and leak, which can cause blurry vision. New, abnormal blood vessels may also grow on the retina, leading to additional damage. Weakened and distorted blood vessel walls are prevalent in early-stage retinopathy, and advanced-stage retinopathy can lead to dark areas in your vision.
Diabetic macular edema: Fluid can sometimes accumulate on the retina, leading to blurred vision. This condition is known as macular edema, and it can cause permanent loss of vision in some patients.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is a key component of vision. Glaucoma can result in irreparable vision loss, and diabetes raises the risk of developing this condition.
Cataracts: Although cataracts are common, those with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing this condition, which is characterized by a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. Maintaining acceptable blood sugar levels can prevent cataracts.
Preserving Your Vision
There are practical steps you can take to prevent these serious diabetes-related eye conditions from threatening your vision and quality of life.
Manage your diabetes: When it comes to conditions that develop due to diabetes, prevention starts with managing your diabetes. A nutritious diet and exercise routine can positively impact your health and help you avoid serious health conditions and vision loss. Management may include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking, taking prescribed diabetes medications, and regularly checking your blood sugar.
Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in check: If you have diabetes, you are at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which can affect the health of your eyes. Keeping these numbers in check can be the key to preventing vision loss.
Don’t ignore sudden changes in vision: Ensure you are paying attention to any changes in your vision, which can indicate the presence of a more serious problem.
Contact Dr. Stein
If you have diabetes, protecting your vision starts with understanding your risk. Take control of the health of your eyes today by contacting Dr. Stein for a consultation.