Common Vision Problems Associated With Type 2 Diabetes

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Common Vision Problems Associated With Type 2 Diabetes
By Richard Titmas
Ezine Articles

Diabetes is the main cause of blindness in adults in the United States. The most common form of Diabetes is type 2 diabetes. In the United States, diabetes is responsible for 7 percent of legal blindness, making it the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults 22 to 70 years old. Although eye problems are a major concern for type 2 diabetics, most people who have diabetes only have minor eye disorders. The key to keeping these problems from escalating is early prevention.

Eye problems are a long-term complication in type 2 diabetics. High glucose levels and high blood pressure, can cause common vision problems such as, Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts which are the most common eye problems found in type 2 diabetics.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults. The retina has tiny blood vessels that are easily damaged by high blood sugar and high blood pressure. Diabetic retinopathy may pertain to retinal blood vessels that swell and leak fluid, or may have abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. A serious complication from diabetic retinopathy is a detached retina. This condition requires immediate attention from your eye doctor.

Glaucoma is another condition common in those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Any one can get glaucoma, especially if there is family history of glaucoma. Diabetics are twice as likely to get glaucoma as non-diabetics.

Cataracts are more common, and often occur in the earlier stages of diabetes, and in people who smoke.

Eye problems are common in those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and most cannot be prevented. Patients who monitor thier diabetes do better than those who are in less control of their illness. A diabetic who closely monitors their glucose levels can still develop diabetic retinopathy. It is very important that you have yearly retinal exams to prevent permanent blindness. To prevent eye problems associated with type 2 diabetes:

keep your blood sugar levels under control

keep your blood pressure under control

do not smoke

immediately report any changes in vision, even blurred vision

have eye exams performed yearly or as often as recommended by your doctor and

if you are pregnant, have an eye exam during the first 3 months of the pregnancy

Schedule a yearly eye exam that checks for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts, do not wait for a vision change to occur to see the eye doctor.