Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting millions of people globally. One of the many complications of diabetes is diabetic eye disease, a group of eye problems that can cause vision loss or blindness. Diabetic eye disease can develop in anyone with diabetes, and it is crucial to know the warning signs to prevent any permanent damage to the eyes.
What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye problems that can occur in people with diabetes. These problems include diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Diabetic retinopathy is perhaps the most common type of diabetic eye disease. This type of diabetic eye disease occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the retina’s blood vessels, causing the vessels to leak fluid or bleed. Cataracts and glaucoma can also occur in diabetics due to high blood sugar levels that can damage the eye’s lens or increase the pressure in the eye.
Warning Signs of Diabetic Eye Disease
It’s essential to know the warning signs of diabetic eye disease to prevent any permanent damage to the eyes. Some of the warning signs include:
- Blurred Vision: Blurred vision is perhaps one of the most common warning signs of diabetic eye disease. If you notice your vision is becoming blurry, it may be a sign of diabetic retinopathy.
- Floaters: Floaters are small specks that appear in your vision and can be a sign of diabetic retinopathy.
- Difficulty Seeing at Night: If you’re having difficulty seeing at night, it may be due to diabetic retinopathy. This is because the damage to the blood vessels in the retina can affect your night vision.
- Eye Pain: If you are experiencing eye pain, it may be a sign of glaucoma. Glaucoma can cause eye pain and increased pressure in the eye.
- Seeing Spots or Flashes of Light: If you see spots or flashes of light, it may be due to diabetic retinopathy. This is because the damage to the blood vessels in the retina can cause these symptoms.
Preventing Diabetic Eye Disease
Preventing diabetic eye disease is essential to preserve your vision. Here are some ways to prevent diabetic eye disease:
- Maintain Good Blood Sugar Control: One of the best ways you can prevent diabetic eye disease is to maintain good blood sugar control. High blood sugar levels can often damage the retina’s blood vessels, causing diabetic retinopathy.
- Get Regular Eye Exams: It is essential to get a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year if you have diabetes. This will allow your eye doctor to monitor your eye health and catch any problems early.
- Control Your Bood Pressure and Cholesterol: High blood pressure and cholesterol are also contributors to diabetic eye disease. It’s essential to control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels to prevent eye damage.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can increase your risk of diabetic eye disease. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of eye problems and other complications of diabetes.
- Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise can help control your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of diabetic eye disease.
Final Thoughts
Diabetic eye disease is a serious complication of diabetes that can cause vision loss or blindness. It’s essential to know the warning signs of diabetic eye disease and take steps to prevent it. Maintaining good blood sugar control, getting regular eye exams, controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol, quitting smoking, and regularly exercising are all ways to prevent diabetic eye disease. If you notice any of these diabetic eye disease warning signs, it’s essential to see your eye doctor immediately to prevent any permanent eye damage.
Get your eyes tested for diabetic eye disease with the help of Optiko. We are an eye doctor in Calgary committed to providing high-quality vision care. Whether it’s a simple eye exam or finding the perfect pair of frames to fit your face, we’re here to help you with everything. Book an eye exam today!
