Vision Care for Diabetics: Addressing Various Health Issues
The team at Choate Eye Associates always tailors treatments to address the unique health needs of patients. This kind of customized care is what makes us one of the leading eye care centers in Nashville.
We offer a wide array of treatment options for vision loss and eye diseases. Right now we'd like to focus on the vision problems that people with diabetes face.
Diabetes Can Cause Numerous Vision Issues
Diabetes can lead to a whole host of health issues given how it's linked to conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and poor diet and low activity level. It should come as no surprise, then, then diabetes can also impact a person's vision.
How Diabetes Affects Vision
When a person has diabetes, this leads to problems with the way the body produces or uses insulin. Insulin is crucial for breaking down sugars and delivering to the cells of the body. When sugar accumulates in the blood and can't be broken down, this results in hyperglycemia, which affects different parts of the body in different ways.
Blurry vision is one of the first warning signs of diabetes affecting your eyesight. This can eventually lead to far more serious eye conditions and vision problems.
Potential Long-Term Vision Issues Related to Diabetes
There are numerous diabetes-related vision problems that are quite serious and can impact your eyesight include the following:
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Diabetic Retinopathy – This term covers a host of conditions that can result in damage to the retina. This is the result of blood vessels in the retina breaking and leaking, which can cause retinal tissue to swell and result in the loss of vision. Laser treatments can be performed to help stop the bleeding of the broken blood vessels in later stages of the condition.
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Macular Holes – Macular holes refer to issues with tears in the central part of the retina (the macula). Given how diabetes affects the blood vessels of the retina, it should be no surprise that there is increased risk of this condition among diabetics. A vitrectomy can be performed to help promote healing of holes in the macula.
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Glaucoma – Glaucoma is a type of permanent vision loss caused by heightened pressure within the eyes. Diabetics are 40 percent more likely to suffer from glaucoma than non-diabetics. Glaucoma is irreversible, but there are medications and treatments that can help prevent further vision loss.
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Cataracts – Cataracts are the clouding of the naturally clear lens of the eye. Diabetics are roughly 60 percent more likely to develop cataracts than non-diabetics. A routine surgery can be performed to remove the clouded lenses and restore vision quality.
Tips for Preserving Your Vision
When it comes to preserving your vision and preventing major vision loss, the best thing you can do is monitor your blood sugar levels and follow your general practitioner's wellness instructions to the letter. It's important to be diligent no matter what, and long-term diligence can allow you to maintain your health.
Meet with an Eye Doctor Regularly
If you are a diabetic, it's imperative that you meet with an eye doctor regularly to help monitor potential vision problems and ensure you have good eye health. This focus on prevention can mean the difference between good vision and vision loss, so do not take this for granted.
Schedule a Consultation at Choate Eye Associates
For more information about the eye care options available for diabetics, be sure to speak with our eye care specialists today. The team at Choate Eye Associates looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve total wellness and excellent eyesight.