What
Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease
that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin effectively to
control blood sugar (glucose) levels. Too much glucose in the blood for a long
time can cause damage in many parts of the body. Diabetes can damage the heart,
kidneys and blood vessels. It damages small blood vessels in the eye as well. The
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) says that about 90% of vision loss from diabetes can be
prevented. BUT-Early detection of diabetic eye disease is the key! People with diabetes should get critical,
annual eye exams even before they have signs of vision loss. Studies show that sixty percent of
diabetics are not getting the exams their doctors recommend.
What
Is Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic eye disease is
a term for several eye problems that can all result from diabetes. Diabetic eye
disease includes:
- diabetic retinopathy,
- diabetic macular edema,
- cataract, and
- glaucoma.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic
retinopathy is when blood vessels in the retina swell, leak or close off
completely. Abnormal new blood vessels can also grow on the surface of
the retina.
People who have diabetes
or poor blood sugar control are at risk for diabetic retinopathy. The risk of
developing diabetic retinopathy increases the longer you have diabetes.
Diabetic Macular Edema
Macular
edema happens when fluid builds up on the retina and causes swelling
and blurry
vision. Diabetes can cause
macular edema. Diabetic macular edema can lead to permanent vision loss.
Diabetes and Cataracts
Excess blood sugar from
diabetes can causes cataracts. You may need cataract
surgery to remove lenses that are clouded by the effects of
diabetes. Maintaining good control of your blood sugar helps prevent permanent
clouding of the lens and surgery.
Diabetes and Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage
to your eye's optic
nerve. This damage leads to
irreversible loss of vision. Having diabetes doubles your chance of getting
glaucoma.
Other Eye Problems Can Be Related to Diabetes!
Diabetes can cause
vision problems even if you do not have a form of diabetic eye disease.
If your blood sugar
levels change quickly, it can affect the shape of your eye’s lens, causing
blurry vision. Your vision goes back to normal after your blood sugar
stabilizes. Have your blood sugar
controlled before getting your eyeglasses prescription
checked. This ensures you receive the correct prescription.
