Diabetes, a chronic condition, impacts sugar processing in the body. It arises from insufficient insulin production or usage, leading to high blood sugar.
One of the most common ways that diabetes can affect your eyesight is through a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. The damaged blood vessels may leak fluid or blood, leading to vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness among people with diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy may not appear until the condition is advanced, so it's important for people with diabetes to have regular eye exams. During an eye exam, our optometrist will dilate your pupils and examine the inside of your eye to look for signs of diabetic retinopathy. Our optometrist will also use advanced technology to take high definition images of the eye which will enable earlier detection of diabetic retinopathy. If caught early, diabetic retinopathy can often be treated and managed to help prevent further vision loss.
Cataracts are another eye condition that can affect people with diabetes. Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the lens of the eye, leading to vision loss. People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age and at a faster rate than those without the disease.
The treatment for cataracts is a surgery that removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial lens. Symptoms of cataracts include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night. People with diabetes should be aware of their increased risk of developing cataracts and have regular eye exams to catch and treat the condition early.
Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.
Symptoms of glaucoma include eye pain, blurred vision, and halos around lights. Our optometrist can detect glaucoma during an eye exam by measuring eye pressure and examining the optic nerve. Treatment for glaucoma may include eye drops, oral medication, laser surgery, or a combination of these treatments. People with diabetes should be aware of their risk of developing glaucoma and have regular eye exams to detect and treat the condition early.
Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eyes don't produce enough tears or retain those tears to keep the surface of the eye moist. People with diabetes are more likely to develop dry eye syndrome. Symptoms of dry eye syndrome include eye irritation, redness, dryness in the eye, a gritty feeling like sand in the eye, and vision problems.
Treatment for dry eye syndrome may include artificial tears, prescription eye drops, clearing of clogged oil glands, specialty contact lenses, or blocking tear ducts to conserve tears. To prevent dry eye syndrome, people with diabetes should maintain good blood sugar control, use a humidifier in dry environments, and avoid smoking. Regular eye exams can also help detect and treat dry eye syndrome early.
Take our dry eye assessment to see if your symptoms indicate that you are suffering from treatable dry eye disease.
If you have diabetes, it's important to see our optometrist regularly for eye exams and to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for managing the disease. This can help prevent or delay the onset of vision problems caused by diabetes. Some tips for maintaining good eye health if you have diabetes include:
Manage your blood sugar levels: High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy and other vision issues. It is essential to keep your blood sugar levels within your target range to minimize the risk of eye problems.
Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels: High blood pressure and high cholesterol can also damage your eyes. Make sure to manage these conditions through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Maintain a healthy diet: A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help prevent eye problems. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, and seeds can be particularly beneficial for eye health.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help control blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol, all of which can contribute to good eye health.
Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy and other vision issues. Quitting smoking can reduce this risk and improve overall health.
Get regular eye exams: People with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year to detect and treat any vision issues early.
Keep your tear film in great condition: Dry eyes are common in people with diabetes, so it is essential to keep your tear film and ocular surface healthy. Schedule a dry eye evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms so that you can ensure healthy and comfortable vision.
Protect your eyes from the sun: Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection when outdoors to protect your eyes from harmful sun rays.
To schedule a comprehensive eye exam, reach out to a listed practice by calling or visiting them. Their team of eye care professionals is ready to provide you with the care you need.