Diabetes Info

Eye Care for Diabetics

February 4th, 2008 | by admin |

Diabetics have to take special care of their eyes because it may lead to fluctuations in vision, cataracts, decreased vision, and double vision. If you are a diabetic, you need to beware of diabetic retinopathy and its complications. The disease can affect four parts of your eye: retina, vitreous, lens, and optic nerve. 

The bad news is that there is no treatment for diabetic retinopathy. Any diabetic might develop it. The good news is that you can delay and slow down the onset of diabetic retinopathy simply by keeping diabetes under control. Keep these simple tips in mind:

• Keep your blood sugar level under control
• High blood pressure can worsen your eye problems; so, keep your blood pressure under control.
• If you are a smoker, quit smoking immediately.
• See your ophthalmologist at least once a year for a dilated eye examination.
• Keep your blood cholesterol level under control.
• Eat a healthy diet and maintain normal body weight.
• Exercise regularly; you need at least half an hour of physical activity per day.
• If you are pregnant, see your ophthalmologist after the first trimester of your pregnancy.
• Remember to ask your ophthalmologist to check your eyes for cataract and glaucoma.
• If you are planning to get pregnant, ask your doctor if you should see an ophthalmologist.

 Moreover, it is very important to see your ophthalmologist immediately if you notice any of the following problems in your eyes or vision: 

• Your vision becomes blurred.
• You can’t read books or signs comfortably.
• You suffer from double vision.
• You have pain in one or both your eyes.
• Your eyes turn red
• You feel pressure in your eyes.
• You see spots or floaters.
• Straight lines appear crooked.
• You have lost side vision.

Take care, and be healthy.