Warning Signs Of Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetes has become a major health concern worldwide. It is a disease that occurs when you have high levels of sugar in your blood. Diabetes occurs when you can’t get sugar out of the blood and into the cells, either because the body isn’t producing enough insulin (type 1), which is a hormone that’s responsible for bringing that sugar into the cells, or because the body is resistant to insulin (type 2).

One of the complications of diabetes that can go unnoticed is its impact on eye health. This blog post will explore diabetic eye disease, a condition that can develop in people with diabetes. We'll discuss the warning signs to be aware of and steps you can take to prevent vision problems.

What is Diabetic Eye Disease?

Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye conditions that can affect people with diabetes. It includes diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and vitreous hemorrhage. These conditions can cause vision loss and blindness if left untreated.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, which is the part of the eye responsible for detecting light and transmitting images to the brain. Early stages of diabetic retinopathy may not cause any symptoms, but over time, it can lead to blurred vision, dark spots, and even blindness.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic macular edema is a complication of diabetic retinopathy. It occurs when fluid builds up in the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for central vision. This can cause blurred vision and can make it difficult to recognize faces or read.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is a more advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy. It occurs when new blood vessels grow in the retina in response to the damage caused by high blood sugar levels. These new blood vessels are weak and can leak blood, which can lead to vision loss and blindness.

Vitreous Hemorrhage

Vitreous hemorrhage occurs when blood leaks into the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the center of the eye. This can cause floaters, blurry vision, and even complete vision loss.

What Are the Warning Signs of Diabetic Eye Disease?

It’s important to be aware of the warning signs of diabetic eye disease so that you can seek treatment as soon as possible. Some of the warning signs of diabetic eye disease include:

• Blurred vision

• Dark spots or floaters

• Fluctuating vision

• Double vision

• Halos around lights

• Loss of vision in one or both eyes

• Pain or pressure in one or both eyes

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing vision loss and blindness.

How Can You Prevent Diabetic Eye Disease?

The most important thing you can do to prevent diabetic eye disease is to manage your blood sugar levels carefully. This means following your doctor’s recommendations for diet, exercise, and medication.

It’s also important to schedule regular eye exams with your eye doctor. If you have diabetes, you should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. Your eye doctor will check for signs of diabetic eye disease and will work with you to develop a treatment plan if necessary.

Other steps you can take to prevent diabetic eye disease include:

• Controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol levels

• Quitting smoking

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Eating a healthy diet

If you have diabetes, it’s important to be aware of the increased risk of developing diabetic eye disease. Regular eye exams and careful management of your blood sugar levels are key to preventing vision loss and blindness. If you experience any of the warning signs of diabetic eye disease, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. By taking these steps, you can protect your vision and enjoy a healthy, active life. To learn more about the services we offer, please click here. To contact us, please click here or call us at (905) 640-1110