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Vision Care for the Diabetic
September 2, 2008
HealthCafe'

There are a numbers of diseases in which the eyes are at risk of harm. Diabetes is a disease that has the capability to cause visual problems and even blindness. Knowing this, your doctor will want to monitor your eyesight regularly.

The way in which diabetes affects the eyes is; that while the pancreas can’t produce the insulin required to balance the sugar, this break down of sugars and starches affects the flow of blood effectively. With a decreased flow of blood to the nerves in the eyes, the flow of oxygen is diminished. When an organ does not receive adequate oxygen, it begins to kill off nerve endings that are required to sustain the organ’s function. This also affects the eyes.

Depending on the type of diabetes you have your doctor will want to make every effort to ensure you are taking care of all your vital organs and again, this includes your eyes. The lack of oxygen can cause eye diseases such as retinopathy which causes damage to the retina, or it may cause cataracts, or glaucoma. Diseases such as this may ultimately cause blindness if left untreated.

Symptoms may not be immediately obvious, therefore when you are diagnosed with diabetes, it is imperative to have them looked at often. It isn’t until the symptoms have gotten so bad many people see their doctor. By the time they are seen, the damage may already be irreversible.

Knowing some symptoms ahead of time could be of great help. If you are unsure what to watch for, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or optician. That’s what they are there for.

Some ways to help prevent your eyes from being affected by diabetes is to;

1. Have your eyes tested regularly
2. Do what is required to keep your sugar balance in check. If this becomes a problem you should have it checked and your eyes should be a part of what they check.
3. Good nutrition. A healthy diet as prescribed by your practitioner can help immensely. Not only in the balance of your sugar, but it also allows for healthy flow of your blood and carries the oxygen required to the organs effectively.
4. Exercise. Doing what you can to keep the blood pumping can help too. Your practitioner can help you devise a plan that will suit you best.
5. Avoid smoking and alcohol. These can cause poor circulation in your blood and minimize the flow of oxygen your organs so desperately need. Your body is already dealing with a sugar imbalance problem; don’t give it more to fight against.

When should you see your doctor? If at any time you have questions or concerns you should see your doctor. You can ask for help if you experience any blurriness, seeing of spots or see lights flashing, (any abnormal disturbances) and for certain, if at any time you should lose the vision of an eye or both, see your physician immediately. Even if it’s for a short period of time, this could be a sign you don’t want to ignore.

With all the things you need to deal with having diabetes, whether type 1 or 2, it’s always best to take care of your self and see your practitioner often. The best form of prevention is action. Don’t leave things to chance and don’t ignore symptoms you are experiencing, even if it seems silly. There is simply nothing silly about losing your eyesight.

Take care of your eyes; they depend on you, as much as you depend on them.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is designed for educational purposes only and should not be used in any other manner. This information is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice. Nor is it a diagnosis or treatment.