Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects many people globally. It can make you experience severe health difficulties if you leave it untreated. One of the most common issues of diabetes is connected to eye health problems. Read on to learn more about the link between diabetes and eye health. 

Diabetes and Eye Health

Diabetes is a metabolic illness that affects how your body uses and processes glucose. When your blood glucose levels rise, it can harm blood vessels and nerves. That leads to various health problems. One of the most prevalent complications of diabetes is eye health problems such as:
 

• Diabetic Retinopathy

This condition affects the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of your eye, called the retina. It results from the blood vessels in your retina getting damaged, which can cause vision loss or blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is the most known cause of blindness among people with diabetes.
 

• Cataracts

Cataracts are the clouding that develops on the eye lens, which can cause vision loss or blindness. Cataracts are more common in people with diabetes than in people without the condition. It is because diabetes can cause harm to the lens of your eye, leading to the formation of cataracts.
 

• Glaucoma

This condition affects the optic nerve. Your optic nerve transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. It results from raised pressure in your eye, which can cause vision loss or blindness. 

Those who have diabetes have a higher risk of developing glaucoma than those who do not. Diabetes can harm the blood vessels in the eye, leading to increased pressure.

How to Protect Your Eye Health

Individuals with diabetes can take several steps to protect their eye health. The most vital step is to ensure their blood glucose levels are under control. They can do so by eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and taking medications as their doctors prescribe.

People with diabetes should also keep their blood pressure under control. High blood pressure can harm the blood vessels in their eyes. The harm can cause diabetic retinopathy and other eye health problems. 

Another vital measure is to go for regular eye exams. Individuals with diabetes should have an annual comprehensive dilated eye exam. It helps check if they have diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma signs. 

Treatment

Various treatments can slow or prevent vision loss if a person with diabetes is diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, cataract, or glaucoma. Your specialist can prescribe laser surgery, injections, or surgery to remove the cataract or to reduce the pressure in your eye.

Early Detection Is Key

Early detection is primary to protecting your eye health if you have diabetes. Most eye health problems caused by diabetes, like diabetic retinopathy, advance slowly. They may not cause symptoms until considerable damage occurs. By having regular eye exams, people with diabetes can catch these problems early. They can start treatment before experiencing significant vision loss.

Managing Other Health Conditions 

People with diabetes should also be aware of the link between other health conditions and eye health. For instance, people with high triglycerides or high cholesterol have a higher risk of diabetic retinopathy.

Similarly, kidney disease increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy and other eye health issues. Managing such health conditions can lower your chances of developing eye health problems.

For more about diabetes and eye health, visit Albright Eyecare at our office in New Braunfels, Texas. Call (830) 271-4900 to book an appointment today.