4 Things You Should Know About Diabetic Eye Diseases

November 3rd, 2017

As a diabetic patient, there are many extra precautions you have to take in your day-to-day life. Diabetes can cause many life-threatening complications including kidney damage, nerve damage, and heart damage.

And left untreated, it can also cause permanent vision loss and even blindness. However, this does not have to be your reality. Diabetes can be treated and there are certain steps you can take to protect the health of your eyes.

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month so here are four things you should know about diabetic eye disease:

 

• Anyone with diabetes is at risk for diabetic retinopathy

 

If you have diabetes then you are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a disease that causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina and it can result in blindness. And the longer you have diabetes, the higher your chances of developing the disease.

 

• Early on, there will be almost no symptoms

 

Many people make the mistake of assuming that if there was a problem they would know about it. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

Diseases like diabetic retinopathy often cause no symptoms or pain in the early stages. Which means that once you do realize there’s a problem, significant vision damage may have already occurred.

 

• Good lifestyle choices can prevent diabetic retinopathy

 

Controlling your diabetes is the best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy and other diseases like glaucoma or cataracts. Make sure you make healthy lifestyle choices such as avoiding excessive drinking or smoking.

Maintain a healthy weight and make sure you stay on top of your blood pressure and cholesterol. And make sure you follow your doctor’s treatment plan.

 

• Regular eye exams are a must

 

It is important for everyone to have yearly vision exams but this is crucial for diabetic patients.  Unfortunately, 60 percent of diabetic patients skip their yearly eye exams. Don’t let yourself become a part of that statistic —  staying on top of your annual exams will help you preserve your vision and maintain a good quality of life.

Are you currently living with diabetes and interested in learning more about how you can take care of your eyesight? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Danny Lee in Huntsville or Decatur, AL today!