The Connection Between Diabetes and Your Eyes

Diabetes is a condition that can create various issues, including heart and kidney disease. Unfortunately, it can also lead to vision loss. In this guide, our team at Eye Clinic of Sandpoint – your Idaho optometry specialists – outlines some of the most common ways this occurs.

Cataracts

Cataracts form for a variety of reasons, but they often develop early when you have diabetes. The high levels of sugar in the blood cause a buildup on your lens, resulting in cloudiness.

Macular Edema

Diabetes can cause the blood vessels in the eyes to leak, leading to swelling of the macula. The macula is located at the center of your retina and is responsible for ensuring clear central vision. When it swells, you will notice distorted, blurry images.

Diabetic Retinopathy

This is actually a leading cause of blindness. It occurs when the blood vessels of the retina leak or new vessels form on the surface of the retina. If not treated as soon as possible, diabetic retinopathy can easily result in vision loss.

Neovascular Glaucoma

Similar to diabetic retinopathy, neovascular glaucoma occurs when a person's high blood sugar levels affect the blood vessels of the retina, causing abnormal new vessels to grow. However, in neovascular glaucoma, these vessels grow on the iris, leading to increased eye pressure.

Caring for Your Eyes With Diabetes

While everyone needs to prioritize eye health, it becomes even more important when you have a condition like diabetes. The first step in preventing diabetes from affecting your eyes is to keep your blood sugar and cholesterol levels in a healthy range. Quitting smoking can also prevent additional damage to the blood vessels in the eyes. It is also crucial to work with an optometry specialist to determine the best course of action for your eye health. Regular eye exams are crucial, and other methods may need to be employed to slow down or prevent vision loss.

Protect Your Vision

If you live with diabetes, let our team at Eye Clinic of Sandpoint help you take care of your vision. Call (208) 263-8501 to schedule an appointment today.