How does Diabetes affect your eyes?
Diabetics need to see their eye doctor at least once a year.
Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels that supply the retina. These damaged blood vessels may leak, swell or bleed causing problems with your vision. Diabetes can also increase the growth of cataracts, and increase your risk of glaucoma. Changes in your blood sugar can cause blurriness in your vision, and fluctuations to your glasses prescription.
What is the best way to keep my eyes healthy?
Annual eye exams are important, because left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can worsen, and lead to blindness. Patients with uncontrolled blood sugar are at a higher risk for problems, but even patients who control their diabetes can develop issues.
Are there warning signs of diabetic eye disease?
Whether you are diabetic or not, if you notice any changes to your vision, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. If you notice a change in prescription, any cloudiness, blind spots or increased floaters in your vision, you should see your eye doctor.
Will controlling my blood sugar help my vision?
Yes. Swings in your blood sugar readings can cause changes to your vision. High blood sugar can cause swelling in the eye, which can affect your vision. If your blood sugar fluctuates, your vision will fluctuate too, and you may find that your glasses don’t work effectively.
Is there a way to treat diabetic retinopathy?
There are different options for treating diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Moran and Dr. Tang can discuss which options are best for your needs. There laser treatments which target the damaged vessels, as well as medications which can help preserve your vision.
If you are Diabetic, Annual Vision Exams are a MUST!
Diabetics have special needs when it comes to taking care of their eyesight. With a dilated exam, your doctor can detect and begin to treat diabetic eye disease before you notice any vision changes. Your annual exam allows our doctors to check for early onset cataracts and glaucoma.
If you (or someone you care about) has diabetes, make sure to connect with the trusted eye care team at Moran Eye Associates.
Call our office to schedule an appointment 610-628-2022.