New Patients Receive 15% OFF Second Pair of Complete Glasses!

insidebanner

Diabetes and Eye Health: What You Need to Know

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people all over the world, and it can have a significant impact on your eye health. If you have diabetes, it’s important to understand how the condition affects your eyes so you can take steps to maintain good vision. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how all three types of diabetes can impact eye health, as well as the risks associated with certain conditions and what you can do to protect your vision.

All three types of diabetes—type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes—can affect eye health even though they don’t work in the same way. When blood sugar is too high due to diabetes, this causes an increase in the acidity level of the blood which can lead to damage of small blood vessels in the eyes. This is especially true for retinal blood vessels. High levels of glucose over long periods of time can cause damage not just to retinal vessels but also other parts of the eyes like lens cells and even nerve cells that are responsible for helping us interpret images from our eyes.

Diabetics are five times more likely than those without diabetes to develop cataracts at an earlier age. Additionally, 10% of diabetic retinopathy cases will eventually develop into diabetic macular edema (DME), a serious condition that leads to vision loss if left untreated. Glaucoma is one other condition that may be more likely with diabetes; however, research suggests that having good control over blood sugar levels may help reduce its risk or slow down its progression.  

Annual eye exams are key when it comes to both early diagnosis and treatment for sight-threatening conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma. With regular checkups, your optometrist or ophthalmologist will help ensure that any potential issues are identified early on so they can be treated quickly and effectively before leading to permanent vision loss or impairment. For anyone who is at high risk for developing eye diseases—such as diabetics—annual exams should become part of their routine care regimen.

Diabetes has a major impact on eye health; however, understanding how it affects vision can help you take steps towards protecting your sight in the long run. While all three types of diabetes have different effects on eye health, some common risks include cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic macular edema (DME), and diabetic retinopathy; these conditions require proper diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent permanent damage or vision loss. Knowing your risks and taking proactive steps towards preserving your vision will give you peace of mind now and in years to come!


Don't forget to schedule your annual eye exam at Lentz Eye Care!




Source