1. Diabetes Causes Blindness
The leading cause of blindness in the United States for people between 18 and 65 is diabetes. The problem exists not only in insulin-dependant individuals, those that have type I diabetes, but also non-insulin dependent type II diabetics. The disease makes no distinction between the two where blindness is concerned. One person in every 20 diabetics gets diabetic retinopathy.
2. Just a Few Floaters
Early symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, usually found at regular eye exams, are either unnoticeable or don't alarm most people. In fact, the optometrist often finds the patient has diabetes in a normal eye exam. The doctor notices internal changes before the patient has enough damage to cause symptoms. Early-stage treatment prevents many problems that otherwise occur. If left untreated, the disease narrows vision, cloudy vision and produces floaters or shadowy specks in the line of vision. It can lead to leaking blood vessels in the back of the eye or detached retinas. Ultimately, blindness occurs.
3. Borderline Diabetics are at Risk
You may be at risk if you have elevated levels of glucose in your blood, but aren't yet diabetic. Damage from retinopathy begins even when fasting sugar is lower than the level considered diabetic, according to Dr. Tien Y Wong, lead researcher at University of Melbourne. He believes that a better measure might be blood sugar levels after a meal. A routine eye exam and good health practices prove to be the best method for preventing further damage, particularly if your sugar level is borderline.
4. Glaucoma is More Prevalent
Diabetics have more problems that occur earlier in life than non-diabetics. Diabetics develop cataracts and glaucoma twice as often as non-diabetics, and the cataracts of diabetics develop earlier in life than those of non-diabetics. The worst problem is still diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness for people under 65, which plays a part in the development of glaucoma.
5. Prevention and Eye Exams are the First Line of Defense
There is treatment for advanced cases of retinopathy. Laser therapy reduces the size of abnormal vessels in the eye. A vitrectomy removes blood in the eye and any strands of vitreous that might cause potential retinal detachment. You can prevent further damage if you maintain low blood sugar levels and have consistent annual appointments for eye exams. Be sure your doctor includes a dilated pupil retinal exam when you have an annual appointment.
