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Diabetes and Eyesight

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases today, affecting 29.1 million people in the United States alone. Diabetes can cause long-term complications, including vision problems if left untreated. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults! So, what do you need to know about diabetes and vision health? Read on to find out.

Understanding Diabetes' Effects on Vision
High blood sugar can cause the lens of the eye to swell and change shape, which leads to blurred vision. This is often one of the first warning signs that someone has diabetes. Long-term exposure to high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in your retina (the back part of your eye), leading to diabetic retinopathy. In severe cases, this condition can lead to blindness or require surgery.

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is another common complication related to diabetes that affects vision health. This occurs when leaking blood vessels cause swelling in your macula (the center part of your retina), which is responsible for detailed central vision tasks like reading and recognizing faces. Symptoms include blurry vision and difficulty seeing up close—which can make everyday activities difficult for those living with DME!  

Taking care of your eyesight should be a priority for everyone, but especially those living with diabetes. Regular checkups are key; catching these conditions early gives you a better chance at treating it before any permanent damage is done! There are also lifestyle changes you can make to keep your eyes healthy like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly. By taking measures like these and scheduling regular checkups with an eye doctor, you can protect yourself from developing complications related to diabetes and maintain good vision health over time!

 If you have questions about how an optometrist can help you manage your diabetes, please contact Lentz Eye Care to schedule an appointment.


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