Managing diabetes effectively is crucial for maintaining good eye health and preventing complications like diabetic retinopathy.
Here are some key aspects of eye care for individuals with diabetes:
1. Regular Eye Exams: It’s important for people with diabetes to have comprehensive eye exams at least once a year. More frequent exams may be necessary if you have existing eye problems or if your diabetes is poorly controlled. These exams can detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma, which are more common in people with diabetes.
2. Blood Sugar Control: Keeping blood sugar levels within target ranges can help prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy and other eye issues.
3. Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Management: High blood pressure can worsen diabetic retinopathy. Managing blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medications can help protect your eyes.
4. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall health and help manage diabetes. Smoking increases the risk of diabetic complications, including eye problems. Quitting smoking can improve overall health and reduce risk.
5. Recognise Symptoms: Watch for changes in vision such as blurred vision, floaters, or sudden vision loss.
6. Follow Treatment Plans: If you’re prescribed medications or treatments for eye conditions, follow the instructions carefully.
7. Seek Professional Advice: Regularly consult with both your primary care doctor and our Optometrist.
Taking these steps can help you maintain good eye health and prevent or manage diabetic eye complications effectively.
diabetes & eyecare
FAQs
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The main reason people with diabetes do not see the eye chart well is the same reason other people don’t see well - long-sightedness, short-sightedness or astigmatism. People with diabetes are known to have fluctuating vision but the majority are capable of seeing clearly with the correct prescription glasses.
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Diabetes affects many parts of the eye. Early in the disease, there are often no signs or symptoms. Symptoms of diabetes may be blurred, fluctuating vision, double vision or flashes and floaters. Diabetes may also contribute to the development of cataracts and glaucoma. The most serious complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy.
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Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages the fine blood vessels of the retina - the light-sensitive film at the back of the eye. This causes the vessels to leak blood, the retina to swell and new blood vessels to start growing. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness.
