A few years ago, my dear maternal grandmother visited an optometrist. After thoroughly examining my grandmother’s eyes, this medical professional informed her that she had cataracts in both of them. Concerned, my grandmother immediately made an appointment with a surgeon. The two surgeries to remove the cataracts from my grandmother’s eyes were successful. Scheduling annual eye exams is crucial. During these appointments, your optometrist will check for potentially harmful conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. On this blog, I hope you will discover the most important reasons you should visit your eye doctor every year. Enjoy!
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Common Eye Problems Diabetic People Experience 1 June 2022
The Importance of Scheduling Annual, Eye Exams
Common Eye Problems Diabetic People Experience
Stella Harvey
If you're diabetic, there's a good chance you'll experience one or more of the eye problems below. Here are three common eye problems diabetics face, and the main treatments to ease the symptoms.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy condition occurs when blood vessels in the retina (the back part of the eye) become damaged from high blood sugar levels. The sugar damages the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to leak fluid or even close off completely.
Diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Thankfully, this condition can be treated with procedures like laser surgery. This type of surgery stops the progression of diabetic retinopathy and can improve vision in some cases. Other treatment options include injections of anti-VEGF drugs that help shrink abnormal blood vessels in the retina.
If you have diabetic retinopathy, you should see an eye doctor regularly so the condition can be monitored and treated as needed. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic Macular Edema
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of vision loss in patients with diabetes. It occurs when the small blood vessels in the retina become leaky and allow fluid to accumulate in the macula, the central area of the retina responsible for sharp vision.
DME can cause blurred and distorted vision, making it difficult to read, drive, or recognize faces. If left untreated, DME can lead to permanent vision loss.
There are several treatment options available for DME, including laser surgery, intravitreal injections, and oral medications. The best treatment option for each patient will depend on the severity of their disease and their individual medical history.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending visual information from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated.
There are two main types of glaucoma –– open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma, and it often has no symptoms in the early stages. Angle-closure glaucoma, on the other hand, is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
While glaucoma doesn't have a cure, there are several treatment options available that can help to slow the progression of the disease. One common treatment is laser surgery, which can improve drainage from the eye.
In more severe cases, a special surgical procedure may be necessary to create a new channel for draining fluid from the eye. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, patients with DME can often preserve their vision and enjoy a better quality of life. For more information, see this website to learn more.
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