If you think you have eye problems because of diabetes, visit your optometrist. Diabetes can cause major eye and vision problems. Diabetes is one of the primary causes of vision loss for many people. Optometrists perform most of the comprehensive eye examinations for individuals with diabetes. Optometrists are well-versed in the management and treatment of diabetic eye disease.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when blood sugar, also called blood glucose, is too high. Diabetes impairs the ability of the body to use and store sugar. High sugar levels in the blood cause damage to the eyes. Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye conditions that affect individuals with diabetes. These include diabetic retinopathy, cataract and glaucoma.
This is a condition that occurs in people with diabetes. It causes damage to the small blood vessels of the light-sensitive back wall of the eye called the retina. The retina takes in light and turns it into signals through the optic nerve of the brain. Once these vessels are damaged, they leak blood and other fluids and this causes diabetic retinopathy.
Fluid can also leak into the macula. The macula is the area of the retina responsible for clear central vision. The macula is small, but it is the part that allows people to see colors and fine detail. It also provides good vision for driving, reading and other similar activities. The fluid makes this part to swell and causes blurred vision. Both eyes are usually affected by diabetic retinopathy. If not treated, this condition can even cause blindness.
Diabetes increases the risk of glaucoma. The glaucoma is a group of disorders that can lead to blindness and vision loss by damaging the optic nerve. Some forms of glaucoma are associated with pressure buildup inside the eye when fluid does not drain the way it should. This damages nerves and blood vessels and may cause changes in vision. People with diabetes are also more likely to have a rare condition known as neovascular glaucoma. This disease makes new blood vessels to grow on the colored part of the eye known as the iris. These vessels block normal fluid flow and raise eye pressure.
Cataract usually develops in people with diabetes. Cataract formation causes the clouding of the eye lens. The eye’s natural internal lens allows the eye to see and focus on an image the same way as a camera. When the lens becomes cloudy, that means a cataract has formed. This makes it hard for the eye to focus the way it should.
Diabetes can lead to several problems that affect the eye such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataract. These conditions can cause severe vision loss and even blindness. Early detection and timely treatment of diabetic eye disease can offer protection against vision loss. If you have not had an eye examination in a long time, schedule an appointment with your optometrist today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.texasoptical.net or call Texas Optical at (214) 771-7333 for an appointment in our Dallas office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
When it comes to eyewear, safety glasses and regular glasses serve different purposes. The primary difference is that safety glasses protect the eyes from hazardous activities or environments, while the primary purpose of regular glasses is vision correction. Understanding the other key distinctions between the two is essential for selecting your desired type.Safety glasses are…
Cataract treatment from an optometrist can preserve or even enhance visual clarity. Although cataracts are most common in patients over age 40, they can affect those of all ages. It is important to be able to recognize the signs of this common condition and when certain treatments may be needed. Early diagnosis and cataract treatment…
Eyeglasses are a significant investment, and finding the right balance between style and functionality will make all the difference in your daily wear experience. Visiting an optometrist’s office gives you access to expert advice and guidance. However, it helps to know what factors make a pair of eyeglasses suited to your personal style preferences, lifestyle,…
Transitions lenses are an adaptive choice for prescription eyeglasses. Although you can purchase two pairs of eyeglasses — clear prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses — it can be a hassle to lug them around and repeatedly have to switch between them. Not only do transitions lenses eliminate this inconvenience, but they also offer a plethora…
The lenses of safety glasses often come with advanced coatings such as anti-scratch and anti-fog…
Cataract surgery can restore night vision by removing the clouded part of the lens.
Different face shapes are suited to different eyeglass frames.
To learn more about transitions lenses and whether they could benefit you, contact our Dallas…
Eye discharge is normal, but only in the form of tears, old skin cells, mucus,…
Many people experience changes in their vision over time, whether due to aging, environmental factors,…