How to Protect Your Vision With Diabetes

While many people understand diabetes affects their physical health, did you know diabetes can also cause some eye diseases? Some diabetic eye diseases, like diabetic retinopathy, may cause no noticeable symptoms in the early stages before leading to significant vision loss or blindness. Getting an eye exam from your optometrist in Colorado Springs, CO, at Chapel Hills Vision Clinic is vital for the early detection and intervention of diabetic eye diseases. Continue reading to learn about how diabetes affects your eye health and how we can help you manage it.

How Diabetes Affects Your Eye Health

Diabetes causes or contributes to multiple eye conditions that cause poor vision or blindness when left untreated. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar causes the retina's blood vessels to leak or grow abnormal new blood vessels. Macular edema occurs when the macula, or the retina's center, swells due to diabetes, causing leaky blood vessels. One form of glaucoma occurs when diabetes causes the growth of new blood vessels on the iris and increases pressure in the eyes. Cataracts and swollen lenses can also result from diabetes. All of these conditions can cause significant vision loss if left untreated.

Managing and Treating Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic eye diseases can be treated with medication and surgery when diagnosed early. However, the two most effective methods of managing eye health among those with diabetes are a regular eye exam and regulating blood sugar levels. The key to controlling your blood sugar is to measure it regularly during the day to ensure you are within the target range. You should also do the following to manage your diabetes:

•           Exercise regularly

•           Take medication as directed

•           Follow a diabetic meal plan

•           Drink plenty of water

Your eye doctor near me can help you manage your diabetes and protect your eye and vision health. They can detect changes in your eyes due to diabetes and provide prompt treatment to keep your eyes healthy.

Visit Your Eye Doctor Near Me at Chapel Hills Vision Clinic to Protect Your Vision

Diabetes can cause several eye conditions that lead to significant vision loss or blindness, so contact Chapel Hills Vision Clinic in Colorado Springs, CO, to schedule an eye exam and protect your eye and vision health. Call us and schedule an appointment today at (719) 599-5083.