Diabetic Retinopathy: Signs, Stages, Eye Care Tips
Many people with diabetes know it can affect their eyesight. However, a recent study found that 20% of diabetics didn’t get their yearly eye checkups as advised. But how exactly does diabetic retinopathy impact our eyesight?
Diabetes on the Eyes
Those with diabetes must be vigilant about their ocular health, as they face heightened risks for conditions like glaucoma—nearly double that of non-diabetics. Likewise, individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of developing cataracts, which can cause vision to become cloudy. But how else does diabetes affect the eyes? Learning this can provide the crucial knowledge to take proactive steps in diabetic eye treatment.
Diabetic Retinopathy Stages
Diabetic retinopathy, the main eye problem from diabetes that can cause blindness, advances in four stages: mild, moderate, severe nonproliferative retinopathy, and proliferative retinopathy. Also, diabetes and blurry vision are linked, especially when abnormal blood vessels leak and blur vision in later stages.
How Do Diabetes, Blood Sugar, and Vision Relate?
Blurry vision isn’t always a long-term problem; sometimes, it’s temporary and connected to high blood sugar levels. People often wonder, “Can low blood sugar make your vision blurry?” Fluctuations in blood sugar can affect eyesight but typically do not result in permanent changes unless they lead to recurrent damage. It’s crucial for people with diabetes to keep their blood sugar levels close to normal. This helps lower the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, an important tip for caring for diabetic eyes.
Diabetic Eye Care Recommendations
Though there is no outright diabetic retinopathy cure, there are several precautions you can take to lower your risk. To protect your eyes and stop diabetes-related eye problems from getting worse, follow these important habits:
1. Keep Blood Pressure in Check: Elevated blood pressure can exacerbate eye problems, so maintaining it within a healthy range is crucial for protecting your vision.
2. Quit Smoking: Smoking can lead to a variety of health issues, including detrimental effects on eye health. Abstaining from smoking can significantly reduce the risk of eye diseases.
3. Regular Dilated Eye Exams: These are crucial for spotting retinopathy early. They should be done every year because diabetic retinopathy can often be missed during routine vision check-ups.
Diabetic Retinopathy Signs
Recognizing the symptoms of eye problems early could be lifesaving for your vision. A person with diabetes should promptly make appointments with their eye doctor in Raleigh, NC, or any other location if they experience any of the following signs:
1. Difficulty Reading Signs: A sudden difficulty reading road signs or small print may indicate diabetes-related vision changes.
2. Persistent Eye Pain: Continuous discomfort or pain in the eyes is a serious sign and warrants immediate consultation with an eye care professional.
3. Onset of Redness: Diabetic cataract appearance can show in the form of eye redness, which could be symptomatic of inflammation or other diabetes-induced ocular issues.
4. Increase in Floaters and Spots: A noticeable surge in floaters or spots in one’s field of vision could suggest bleeding within the eye and require urgent medical attention.
A Final Word From Kelly Eye Care Center
It’s important to recognize the link between diabetes and eyesight. Taking control of your health by regularly monitoring your blood sugar and blood pressure, making lifestyle changes, and adhering to annual eye examinations can help prevent serious eye diseases associated with diabetes. If you’re living with diabetes, remember that a solid treatment plan with an eye doctor in Raleigh, NC, can protect your vision and improve your quality of life. Book your appointment with Kelly Eye Care Center in Raleigh today.
Please note that the suggestions provided in this blog are for general informational purposes only and may not be suitable for your specific insurance plan and eyecare needs. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice and diabetic eye treatment.
