Diabetes is a triple threat to your vision
Diabetes causes many health problems, not the least of which affect vision. Persons living with diabetes are especially at risk of developing:
- Diabetic Retinopathy- Diabetic Retinopathy weakens and causes changes in blood vessels in the back of the eye. Untreated it can cause ‘floaters’, cloudy spots and, ultimately, blindness.
- Glaucoma- Diabetics are 40% more likely to develop Glaucoma. This leads to damage of the optic nerve, which results in vision loss or blindness. There are usually no symptoms or pain associated with the onset of Glaucoma.
- Cataracts- Persons living with diabetes are 60% more likely to develop cataracts. They are also more likely to develop them at a younger age and have them progress faster. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye.
If you have diabetes, or a family history of diabetes, you should have a dilated eye exam or retinal scan once a year. Also, follow your primary physician?s regimen for controlling your blood sugar level. A major study has shown that better control of blood sugar slows the onset and progression of diabetic eye disease.