The Link Between Diabetes and Eye Care

Just how does diabetes impact eye care? People with diabetes need to keep a tight grip not only on their blood sugar or glucose levels, but also on other areas that diabetes can adversely affect, such as eyesight. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among people from 20 to 74 years of age.

High glucose levels can increase blood pressure in the eye and blur vision. While this condition is treatable, blurred or glared eyesight can also be symptomatic of more serious eye care issues, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy.

Cataracts are cloudy areas on the lens of the eye caused by trapped fluid. People with diabetes often develop cataracts earlier and more aggressively than others. Glaucoma can arise from increased eye pressure caused by trapped fluid, which can damage the eye’s nerves and vessels. Eye care treatments ranging from special drops to laser surgery can improve fluid drainage and relieve both conditions. Retinopathy, the damage to blood vessels in the retina, causes more irreversible blindness among developed nations than any other vision condition. In fact, the longer one has been diabetic, the higher the risk for diabetic retinopathy.

Consistently maintaining target blood sugar levels is key to managing diabetes. It’s also essential to manage all the vision issues diabetes can influence. Partner with an eye care professional to keep your vision clear.