The Eyes of a Diabetic
If you have been recently diagnosed with type II diabetes you have probably been told you should make an appointment with an eye doctor. It is important to follow through with this whether you currently wear corrective lenses or not. Anytime your blood sugar is not within the normal range your eyes can be damaged. Being newly diagnosed, your blood sugar has probably been on the high side for a while. In addition, because of the disease, it is a good idea to give your optometrist a chance to get baseline information about your eyes and vision. Here are a few things you should know about the eyes of a diabetic.
Blurry Vision
Anytime your blood sugar is high, the lenses in your eyes can swell, causing blurry vision. Depending on how long this goes on, it could take months of strictly regulated blood sugar levels before your vision returns to normal. You should also know that your vision may become blurry if your blood sugar gets too low. Luckily, this will resolve itself once your sugar level goes back up. However, if it is not due to low blood sugar and does not pass in a day or tow you should make an appointment with an optometrist as there could be a more serious problem.
Cataracts
Cataracts can happen to anyone. However, diabetics are more prone to them and at an earlier age. Enzymes in the lens can convert the extra glucose into a substance that clouds the lens, eventually leading to cataracts.The good news is that there is surgery in which the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial one, restoring your clear vision.
Glaucoma
High sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels in your eye. This damage can result in fluid leaking into the eyeball, which will increase pressure on the optic nerve and the retina. This pressure will result in a loss of vision. If caught early enough, the problem may be reduced with a drain or laser surgery to remove the damaged vessels.
Coming to grips with diabetes can take time and continual monitoring. To avoid having eye problems to deal with along with the blood sugar levels it is important you maintain regular appointments with an optometrist. He or she will advise you of the option you have for keeping your vision or ways to prevent problems from arising. Do not let something as simple as keeping routine eye exams cause you to lose your eyesight.
Learn more by contacting clinics like Olympia Eye Clinic, Inc., P.S.
Share