Get an Eye Exam

Trusted Diabetes Tips from Homewatch CareGivers
While rare, it is a fact that people with diabetes are at a higher risk
for vision problems.
According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes are
40% more likely to suffer from glaucoma than people without diabetes.
People with diabetes are 60% more likely to get cataracts than people
without diabetes. The World Health Organization reports that 1% of “global
blindness can be attributed to diabetes.” Diabetic retinopathy is
a term for disorders of the retina caused by this disease and can cause
anything from blurred vision to blindness, though that is rare.
There are typically no warning signs or symptoms of these vision problems
until the damage to the eye has been done. The risk for conditions like
glaucoma increase with age, regardless of how well other symptoms of diabetes
are being managed. While it is recommended that everyone get an annual
eye exam, people with diabetes should not miss this important checkup
for their eyes. If eye problems are ignored and blood glucose levels are
not kept in check, eye surgery may be required to restore some sight.
As with many complications from diabetes, the way to avoid vision problems
is by keeping blood sugar levels at a healthy level. Blood pressure should
also be kept low to maintain good eye health.
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