If you have diabetes, it is essential to pay close attention to your eyes is essential. That is because diabetes can cause serious eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Diabetic eye disease San Antonio can lead to vision loss and even blindness; you need to know that early detection and treatment can help prevent diabetic eye disease from getting worse.
There are different types of diabetic eye diseases, including;
- Diabetic Retinopathy
It happens when diabetes damages the blood vessels in your retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. Diabetic retinopathy can cause your vision to become blurred or distorted. In some cases, it can also lead to blindness.
- Cataracts
The lens of the eye becomes cloudy with a cataract. People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts earlier than those who don’t have diabetes.
- Glaucoma
Glaucoma affects the visual nerve. In the United States, it is the second biggest cause of blindness. If you have diabetes, you are more predisposed to develop glaucoma. If you have diabetes, it is essential to have regular eye exams. Your doctor can check for signs of diabetic eye disease and treat it early if it is found. Treatment may include special eye drops, surgery, or laser surgery.
Here are some ways to tell if diabetes is affecting your eyes:
You Have Blurry Vision
If you have diabetes, you may experience periods of blurred vision. This happens when your blood sugar is too high, and the lens of your eye swells from the excess sugar. When this happens, your vision will become blurry. You need to see your doctor immediately if you experience blurred vision, as this could be a sign of diabetic retinopathy.
You see floaters
Floaters are specks or strings that float across your field of vision. They are usually harmless and have nothing to worry about. However, if you start to see more floaters than usual, it could be a sign of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a severe complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss.
You have trouble seeing at night
If you have diabetes, you may have trouble seeing it at night. This is because high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in your retina, the part of your eye that helps you see in the dark. If you have trouble seeing at night, it is essential to see your doctor right away, as this could be a sign of diabetic retinopathy.
You have eye pain
When you experience any pain in or around your eyes, it is vital to see your doctor. Eye pain can signify several different eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts.
Your eyes are dry
If you have diabetes, you may experience dry eyes when your body does not produce enough tears to keep your eyes lubricated. Dry eyes can cause irritation, redness, and pain. If you have dry eyes, see your doctor so they can prescribe artificial tears or other treatments to help relieve the symptoms.
If you have diabetes, pay close attention to your eyes. Always consult with your doctor at Alamo Eye Care if you experience any changes in your vision.