Diabetic Eye Care: Protect Your Vision from Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot effectively use or produce insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, elevated blood sugar can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in your eyes. This damage often results in diabetic eye diseases that can impair vision or even lead to blindness if left untreated.
The most common diabetes-related eye conditions include:
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Damages the blood vessels in the retina, causing leaks, swelling, or abnormal growth.
- Diabetic Macular Edema: Swelling of the macula, which is critical for central vision.
- Cataracts: Diabetes can accelerate cataract development, leading to cloudy lenses.
- Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye that damages the optic nerve.
Below, our Mississauga and Brampton eye care teams discuss how early detection and management are key to preventing significant vision loss caused by diabetes.
How to Prevent
Diabetes-Related Eye Diseases
Diabetes-Related Eye Diseases
Taking proactive steps can help you reduce the risk of diabetes-related eye complications and preserve your vision:
- Control Blood Sugar Levels: Keeping your blood sugar within a healthy range helps prevent damage to the small blood vessels in your eyes.
- Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: High blood pressure and cholesterol can worsen eye damage when combined with diabetes.
- Attend Regular Eye Exams: Comprehensive eye exams allow for early detection of any changes or complications in your eyes.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of diabetic eye diseases by impacting blood circulation.
- Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper diabetes management help keep your overall health and vision in check.
By making these lifestyle changes, you significantly reduce the risk of severe eye complications.