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How Does Diabetes Impact Your Vision?

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The diabetes-eyes connection, explained by your eye doctor in Woodcliff Lake and Midland Park

If you have diabetes, doctors have probably warned you about how the disease puts your eyes at a higher risk of complications. When left untreated, many of these problems can lead to vision loss and blindness. However, losing your sight because of diabetes isn’t inevitable! Your eye doctor near explains the link between eyes and diabetes, and how you can help keep your vision healthy.

How common is diabetic eye disease?

Statistics report that up to 45% of people with diabetes show damage of some degree to their retina. The signs of this damage can appear as early as one year after the onset of diabetes.

Also, the type of diabetes doesn’t matter. Be it type 1, type 2, insulin-dependent or not, the risk of diabetic eye disease is there, and it goes up with each year that you have diabetes. As for population groups, African Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives and Hispanics/Latinos all have a higher incidence of vision loss from diabetes.

What eye problems are associated with diabetes?

When blood sugar levels aren’t maintained within the parameters recommended by your physician, it can weaken the blood vessels of your eye. These weak, abnormal retinal blood vessels can then start to bleed and leak, then develop scar tissue, causing blurry vision and permanent damage. Known as diabetic retinopathy, this condition is the most common eye problem caused by diabetes. In addition to retinopathy, people with diabetes are also at an increased risk of developing glaucoma and cataracts. During an eye exam by our qualified eye doctors in Woodcliff Lake and Midland Park, your eyes will be checked thoroughly for any signs of diabetic eye disease.

How can you prevent diabetic eye disease?

The best way to help prevent diabetic eye disease is by controlling blood sugar levels in a healthy range, and visiting an eye doctor near you for regular eye exams.

When diabetic eye disease is detected during an early stage, treatment can be very effective and help prevent permanent vision loss. Additionally, good blood glucose control and healthy blood pressure both go far towards protecting your eye health.

How can you tell if you have diabetic eye disease?

The effects of diabetes on eyes are typically silent until the disease has progressed to a later stage. Only a dilated eye exam will be able to detect the early signs. If you have diabetes and notice any of the following symptoms, contact an eye doctor near you immediately:

  • New black floaters that appear suddenly
  • Loss of vision, starting from one side and extending across your eyes
  • Blurry central vision
  • Difficulty with facial recognition
  • Perceiving straight lines as being wavy
  • Inability to see clearly at night

Why does everyone with diabetes need yearly eye exams?

Annual eye exams by an experienced eye doctor are key to decreasing your risks of diabetic eye disease. Although good blood sugar control certainly reduces the chances of developing eye diseases, even a well-controlled diabetic can develop these problems. That’s why everyone with diabetes needs routine diabetic eye exams. To help keep your vision safe from the effects of diabetes, book an appointment at James Tracey Eye Care, in Woodcliff Lake or Midland Park, New Jersey.

At James Tracey Eye Care, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 201-746-6700 or book an appointment online to see one of our Woodcliff Lake eye doctors.

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