Diabetic Eye Care: Protecting Vision When You Have Diabetes

Diabetic Eye Care: Protecting Vision When You Have Diabetes

Diabetes can impact your eyes in ways you might not expect. While it is the leading cause of blindness in American adults, most vision loss can be prevented with regular checkups and simple habits. Here’s what you should know.

How Does Diabetes Affect the Eyes?

When blood sugar stays high, it can injure the small vessels in your eyes. If these vessels are damaged, they might leak, leading to various eye problems.
 

• Diabetic retinopathy is a common problem. This results from blood vessels in the retina leaking or growing abnormally. Early on, there are no symptoms, so people often do not notice it until their vision changes.

• Macular edema happens when fluid collects in the macula, the part of your eye responsible for sharp central vision. This can make it harder to read or recognize faces.

• People with diabetes are more likely to develop glaucoma. One type, called neovascular glaucoma, involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels on the iris. These can block fluid from draining, increasing pressure in the eye.

• Cataracts tend to develop more quickly in people with diabetes. When blood sugar runs high, the lens of your eye can cloud up sooner than expected.

When your blood sugar goes up and down, it can change the shape of your eye’s lens and cause blurry vision. Once your blood sugar levels are steady, your vision usually returns to normal.

Steps to Protect Your Eyes

• Get a Dilated Eye Exam Every Year

During a dilated exam, your doctor can see early signs of trouble in your retina that you cannot feel or see yet. Treating issues early can prevent vision loss. Schedule your exam before any symptoms appear.

• Control Your Blood Sugar

Healthy blood sugar levels protect your eyes’ small blood vessels. High blood sugar can weaken these vessels, leading to leaks and blurred vision. Work with your doctor to find a plan that works for you. Even small changes can make a big difference over time.

• Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

High blood pressure and high cholesterol add extra strain to blood vessels that are already at risk. These conditions can make diabetic eye disease get worse more quickly. Controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol helps protect your eyes and your overall health. If you take medicine for these, be sure to take it regularly.

• Quit Smoking

Smoking harms blood vessels all over your body, including those in your eyes. If you smoke, you have a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Quitting smoking lowers this risk. It is never too late to quit, and stopping helps your eyes, lungs, and heart.

• Stay Active

Staying active helps you manage blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Better circulation from exercise also supports eye health. You do not have to train for races. Just a daily walk, a bike ride, or a swim helps. Pick an activity you like and make it a habit.

• Wear Sunglasses

UV rays accelerate cataract development, which often starts earlier in people with diabetes. Wear sunglasses that block all UV light outdoors.

Protect your vision by scheduling a dilated eye exam at Texas State Optical Bandera in San Antonio. Call (210) 417-4177 to book your appointment and take the next step toward healthy eyes.

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/top-five-diabetes-steps

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes-and-your-eyes-what-you-need-to-know