Diabetes
All too frequently, we see patients who have had diabetes for several years, but never had their eyes checked.
All too frequently, we see patients who have had diabetes for several years, but never had their eyes checked.
Why is this dangerous?
- Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working age Americans.
Diabetes causes a condition called Diabetic retinopathy. This is bleeding in the back of the eyes. Small amounts of bleeding may not cause any changes in your vision. As it worsens, you may get a sudden loss of vision. Sometimes this can be treated and vision restored, sometimes this cannot.
How can you protect your eyes from vision loss?
- Follow your medical doctor’s instructions on diet, medication, and exercise to control your blood sugar.
- If you have been diagnosed with diabetes (even if not taking medications), have your eyes dilated and evaluated for diabetic retinopathy every year.
- If your eye doctor sees early signs of diabetic retinopathy, they may recommend more frequent examinations.
- Have your eyes checked immediately if you notice any of the following changes in vision:
- Blurring of Vision
- Floaters in Vision
- Blind Spots in Vision
- Distortions in Vision
- Visual Changes that only affect one eye
- Changes in Vision that last more than a few days
- Changes in Vision that are not associated with high or low blood sugar
If you need to be examined for eyeglasses, make sure your blood sugar has been well controlled for several days in order to get an accurate prescription. Check your blood sugar the morning of your eye examination so you can let your eye doctor know what your blood sugar measured that day.
At Eye Care Oklahoma, we provide extensive care for many diabetic patients. Jay Leemaster, M.D., Lisa Mayes, O.D., and Elizabeth Burkhart, O.D. provide comprehensive eye health evaluations for patients with diabetes every year. More frequent examinations are required for those who have developed signs of diabetic retinopathy that puts them at risk for vision loss.
If needed, Dr. Leemaster treats diabetic retinopathy with a laser surgery called Panretinal Photocoagulation. This procedure can slow and sometimes halt the progression of diabetic retinopathy, thus preventing vision loss.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, schedule an appointment for an eye health evaluation today.
Note: Most health insurances pay for yearly examinations for diabetics.
