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Diabetic Eye Care: What You Need to Know

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If you're diabetic and are concerned about your vision,
there may be a link. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of
blindness in adults[1].

The truth is, all people with diabetes are at risk for
vision loss and blindness due to diabetic eye disease. Diabetes-related eye
diseases can cause trouble reading, seeing faces across the room, seeing at
night, or even blindness. The most common eye conditions that develop as a
result of diabetes are: cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

Cataracts

While anyone can develop cataracts, those with diabetes are
more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age[2].

What is a cataract? A cataract is the clouding of the lens of
the eye. When a lens is clouded, it is no longer able to focus. Because of the
systemic nature of diabetes, sufferers experience faster deterioration of the
lens.

How is a cataract treated? Cataracts can be treated with
surgery. During the surgical procedure with a skilled ophthalmologist, the
clouded lens is removed and replaced with a clear lens.

Glaucoma

Those with diabetes are nearly twice as likely than people
without diabetes to develop glaucoma[3].

What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is actually a group of progressive
diseases in which the optic nerve becomes damaged due to increased pressure
inside the eye. When the optic nerve is damaged, the transmission of signals
from the eye to the brain are negatively impacted.

How is glaucoma treated? Since there are several forms of
glaucoma, the most common being Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), treatment
depends on each unique patient. Available treatments for glaucoma include
medication such as eye drops and minimally-invasive procedures such as
selective laser trabeculoplasty.

Diabetic
retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease
and a leading cause of blindness. It usually doesn't not present early warning
signs. The only way to detect and stay ahead of vision problems related to
diabetes is to keep up with regular comprehensive eye exams. 

What is diabetic retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy is
characterized by the leaking of blood vessels in the retina. High levels of
blood glucose can cause blood vessels to swell and leak fluid, sometimes even
causing new blood vessels to grow on the surface of the retina.

How is diabetic retinopathy treated? This condition is
typically treatment with medication and laser procedures. Early detection and
treatment are vital to protecting yourself against blindness.

If you have diabetes, prevention of related eye diseases should be a priority. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam - this is the only way to detect and diagnose diabetic eye diseases. Call ReFocus Eye Health to schedule an examination or request an appointment online.


[1] https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/pdf/factsheet.pdf

[2] https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/complications/eye-complications

[3] https://www.glaucoma.org/glaucoma/diabetes-and-your-eyesight.php