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November is AMERICAN diabetes awareness month, but globally we all need to remember that diabetes is linked with a higher risk of developing certain eye diseases.
Patients diagnosed with diabete are at a high risk of developing diabetic retinopathy which can long term lead to vision loss which proves irreversible. . This is the result of excess glucose traveling in the blood stream that will cause the small blood vessels in the eyes to swell, leak or in some cases even close completely. Diabetes can also increase the risk for glaucoma and retinal detachment.
As soon as you are diagnosed with diabetes it is recommended that an eye examination takes place. This is because there are generally no early symptoms to that will warn you of impending eye issues. The standard opthalmic test is a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Drops are put into each of your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupil. This way, the doctor can get a good look at the retina and optic nerve to look for signs of disease.
It is recommended that people with Type 1 Diabetes be examined within five years of being diagnosed and for Type 2 at the time of diagnoses. Annual examinations post diagnosis should be kept current.
Patients of diabetes can help in reducing the risk of blindness by correctly controlling their blood sugar levels. In terms of eye sight, this is very important as when the blood sugar is too high it can result in blurry vision and, again, damage to the blood vessels in your eyes.
Also for all smokers out there - Quit! The risk for diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases is even higher when you smoke.