Relationship Between Diabetes and Eye Health
Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people all over the world. While it is most known for its impact on blood sugar levels, diabetes can also have a serious impact on eye health. In Australia, diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness and vision impairment. In this blog post, we will discuss the relationship between diabetes and eye health and provide some tips for keeping your eyes healthy if you are diabetic.
Diabetes and Eye Health - What Do the Studies Say?
There have been numerous studies conducted on the relationship between diabetes and eye health. The results of these studies are clear - diabetes can have a serious impact on your eyesight. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults aged 20-74 years old. In fact, one in every four Australians who are either blind or vision impaired has diabetes.
Diabetes can cause many eye problems, including:
Diabetic retinopathy - This is the most common type of eye problem associated with diabetes. It occurs when the blood vessels in the retina (the back part of the eye) become damaged. Diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss and blindness.
Glaucoma - This is a condition where the pressure inside the eye becomes too high. This can damage the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss and blindness.
Cataracts - Although common in older generations, anybody can experience this problem where the eye becomes cloudy. It can make your vision blurry and makes it difficult to see at night.
Diabetes is a condition that can have many different impacts on your body, including your eyesight. It’s important to be aware of the potential problems so you can get regular check-ups and treatment if necessary.
If you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it, make sure you have your eyes checked regularly. And if you do experience any problems, don’t delay in seeking help. The sooner you catch and treat any problems, the better your chances of maintaining good eye health. Whether you visit Melbourne's leading eye specialist or a company around the corner, it's best to see a professional as soon as possible.
Preventing Eye Problems with Diabetes
You can help prevent or delay the onset of some diabetic eye problems by:
- Controlling your blood sugar levels. This is the most important thing you can do to prevent or delay diabetic eye problems. Generally speaking, this is the best thing that you can do for your overall health while diabetic.
- Taking your diabetes medication as prescribed. If the doctor prescribes medication to help control your blood sugar, be sure to take it as prescribed.
- Exercising regularly. This helps to maintain good blood sugar control and will keep you in great physical and mental health.
- Eating a healthy diet. Like exercise, a healthy diet helps with blood sugar control and overall health.
- Having regular comprehensive dilated eye exams. These are important to catch any diabetic eye problems early. Be sure to follow the schedule that your eye doctor prescribes.
Summary
Diabetes and eye health have been intertwined for the longest time. As we've seen, people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing certain eye problems, such as diabetic retinopathy. However, there are things that people with diabetes can do to help lower their risk of developing these problems. These include maintaining good blood sugar control, eating a healthy diet, and having regular comprehensive dilated eye exams. By taking these steps, people with diabetes can help protect their vision.
