Diabetes can affect your eyes among other parts of your body. At Legazpi Eye Center, we recognize how critical it is to identify diabetic eye disorders early and treat them appropriately.
Effects of Diabetes on the Eyes
At the back of the eye is the retina, the light-sensitive tissue that contains blood vessels.
These blood vessels may be harmed by diabetes, resulting to:
- Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina, which may cause
bleeding. - Diabetic macular edema: Swelling of the macula, the central part of the retina responsible
for sharp, detailed vision. - Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye that can damage the optic nerve.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens.
Prevention and Care
Regular eye exams are important for people with diabetes. Early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss. Here are some tips:
- Maintain good blood sugar control: This is the most important step in preventing
diabetic eye complications. - Regular eye exams: Schedule comprehensive eye exams at least once a year, even if you
don’t feel anything. Prevention is always better! - Healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of diabetic eye complications.
References
American Diabetes Association. (2023). Diabetic eye disease.
American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2024). Diabetic retinopathy. Retrieved from:
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/diabetic-retinopathy
National Eye Institute. (2023). Diabetic retinopathy.