How Does Diabetes Affect Your Eyes?
- Posted on: Sep 15 2022
Diabetes can damage your eyes and cause vision loss and blindness. When blood sugar levels are high, it can cause the blood vessels in the retina (the back part of the eye) to leak. This can lead to vision problems, such as blurred vision or difficulty seeing at night. Over time, diabetes can also damage the nerves that send signals from the eye to the brain, causing vision loss
If you have diabetes, it’s important to be aware of how the disease can affect your eyes. Diabetes can cause several eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. You must get regular eye exams and take steps to protect your eyesight.
This condition affects the body’s ability to process blood sugar, affecting different body organs and parts, including the eyes. One of the most severe complications of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, which is a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness among people with diabetes. It can develop in anyone who has had diabetes for more than 20 years. Risk factors for diabetic retinopathy include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and smoking.
People with diabetic retinopathy may not have any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. However, as it progresses, they may experience vision problems, including Wally blindness, multiple distortions in vision, and decreased central vision.
Cataracts are another common complication of diabetes. Cataracts are cloudy areas in the eye that can cause vision problems. Glaucoma is another condition that can be caused by diabetes. Glaucoma is when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye and puts pressure on the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss.
Taking steps to manage your blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol can help you protect your eyes and keep them healthier for longer. Also, following a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you improve your overall health, including your eye health.
Seeing an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive, detailed exam is also a great way to manage your eye health. If you have diabetes and haven’t scheduled your next examination, contact us at (503) 297-4718 or visit us at the EyeClinic P.C. Portland, Oregon. Our doctors and staff are devoted to providing you with quality patient care on all levels.
Posted in: Diabetic Eye Care
