Facts About Diabetes on Eye Complications

Facts about diabetes show that this condition is top cause of blindness. Despite this, the American Optometric Association conducted a survey that revealed Americans are not serious about their eye health. This is especially true when diabetics should be shielding their eyes from possible blindness caused by diabetes.

Over 60% know that diabetes is evident through eye exam yet only 32% who do not wear eye glasses or contacts have seen an optometrist during the last two years. Millions of Americans who do not receive regular eye exams are putting their eyesight and health at risk.

How does diabetes affect the body? It raises the glucose in the blood above the normal level. This high blood glucose level can damage the blood vessels throughout the body including those in the eyes causing the retina to shut down. These are the facts on diabetes about eye complications.

After a period of time, diabetes damages the retina which is the layer in the back of the eye. This is the part that captures images and relays them to the brain. Depending on how high the blood glucose level is and for how long it has been in that state will dictate when diabetic retinopathy will develop. There are other factors that increase the risk:

family history

high blood pressure

kidney disease

smoking

high cholesterol

Over 21 million people have diabetes and over 6 million do not even know they are diabetics. AOA’s Diabetes Eye Care Expert, Dr. Jorge Cuadros, who is also a professor at the School of Optometry in University of California said that diabetes can lead to changes in the vision which can also cause blindness.

Can you prevent this from happening? Sure, if you follow some tips:

Make sure blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels are under control.

Eat healthy meals.

Exercise regularly.

Stop smoking.

Avoid drinking alcohol.

Consult with the family doctor regularly.

Diabetic patients should have an annual eye check-up. You will not see the early signs because there is a special tool to do this. Actually what is needed is a dilated eye exam every year. Those who are at high risk for diabetes should have dilated eye exams regularly. The optometrist may be the first one to detect diabetes. Detecting diabetes early is vital for healthy vision.

As soon as the vision is blurry for more than two days, or you are experiencing trouble reading books or signs, having double vision, pressure in the eyes, straight lines seeming indistinct and limited side vision, go see the optometrist. Call the doctor also if you suddenly cannot see from one eye or both. Seeing cobwebs, black spots and flashing lights that are not there is also a symptom.

There are other eye problems as well. The diabetics are also at risk for glaucoma and cataracts which can damage the ability to see. Often cataracts are caused by too much exposure to the sun but diabetes helps it to develop faster. So protect your eyes from x-rays and sunlight. This knowledge on eye complications and how to prevent them are parts of the facts about diabetes.