Diabetes and your vision – how this condition can affect your eyes
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Diabetes is a condition that impacts one’s health in a number of ways. This is why it is important to speak to your primary doctor about the conditions you should be worried about. The team at The Eye Care Institute understands the impact diabetes can have on a patient’s vision, and wants to educate individuals on how to care for their eyes while managing their diabetes.Below are some of the most common ways in which diabetes can impact vision:
Blurry vision – when things start blurring, it may be time to schedule more than just an eye examination with a vision doctor. Blurry vision could be caused by high blood sugar levels which should be kept within the healthy target range. It can take several months for this issue to correct once the levels are back to normal.
Cataracts – patients who have diabetes are at a much higher risk of developing cataracts, which can cause clouding of the eye and other vision concerns such as blurring and glare.
Glaucoma – when the nerves and blood vessels of the eye are damaged due to pressure buildup, it can result in changes in vision. This is due to a condition called glaucoma, which impacts patients with diabetes at a much higher rate than those without.
Diabetic retinopathy – continued high blood sugar levels can also result in diabetic retinopathy. This condition can cause permanent blindness if it not diagnosed and managed immediately. There are several variations of this condition that can develop, including background retinopathy, maculopathy, and proliferative retinopathy.
When to call the doctor
Patients who have regular eye examinations should continue to maintain these appointments. However, if changes arise, it might be a good time to schedule a checkup and speak to an eye doctor about your concerns. Many conditions, if caught early on, can be treated effectively to avoid permanent changes to one’s vision and eye health.
Learn more about diabetic eye care
Call The Eye Care Institute of Louisville, KY today to schedule an examination and speak to our professionals about the care and attention you need for healthy vision. The office is located at 1536 Story Avenue and can be reached to make an appointment at (502) 589-1500.
