What eye problems are associated with diabetes?
If you have diabetes, you no doubt know that it affects all aspects of your health, and your eyes, of course, are no different. Diabetes is the primary cause of blindness in adults, and having blood sugar that is often too high can make you more susceptible to other problems as well:
• Blurry vision can be caused by the lens swelling because of high blood sugar. Vision may get more clear once blood sugar levels go down.
• Retinopathy results from the blood vessels in the back of the eye becoming damaged. It can cause blindness, but keeping blood sugar levels under control can help to prevent it.
• Glaucoma is caused by a build-up of fluid in the eye. This causes pressure in the eye and can affect vision and cause damage to the eye.
• Cataracts cloud up the lens of the eye. They are common, even in people who don’t have diabetes, but people with diabetes often get them earlier in life than those without diabetes, and they can become serious very quickly.
What can you do for your eye health if you have diabetes?
The most important thing you can do for your eye health is to visit your eye doctor regularly, and let him or her know that you have diabetes. You should have a thorough eye exam at least once a year so that any changes in your vision can be monitored. And, you should contact your doctor immediately if you ever have flashes of light, sudden blurred vision, or are seeing black spots.
Living with diabetes can be a challenge, but a supportive medical team can help. Whether you have diabetes or you just need an eye exam, you can count on the experts at North Suburban Eye Associates to help! Call the office in Massachusetts at (781) 245-5200 for an appointment today!