Are you aware that being diabetic puts you at risk for serious eye damage? Diabetes is the main cause of loss of sight in adults between 20 and 74 according to recent studies by the NIH. One of the most serious complications of diabetes is retinal damage caused by increased pressure in the blood vessels of the eye. This is called diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy causes severe vision impairment and even blindness. Anyone with the disease is at risk and it is projected to affect 11 million people by 2030.
Diabetic retinopathy can be asymptomatic until it is too late. When the pressure in the blood vessels in the retina builds up they start to leak resulting in retinal damage. This can cause vision loss and when not treated, blindness.
If you are diabetic and you notice any sort of vision problems, such as fluctuations in eyesight, floaters, double vision, shadows or spots or any pain in your eye make an appointment with an eye doctor. Cataracts and glaucoma are also more common in individuals with diabetes than in the average population.
The risk of diabetic eye disease is higher when glucose levels are uncontrolled. Controlling your sugar levels through diet, exercise and staying healthy and annual eye exams is the best combination for keeping your eyes healthy.
This month, spread awareness of the risks of diabetic eye disease and consult with your optometrist to discuss questions or concerns. In this case, ignorance could cost you your precious eyesight
