Care Your Sight

People affected with diabetes have the same chance of developing eye problems unrelated to their diabetes as anyone else. Nevertheless, diabetes can result in some additional eye problems. Find out what you should do if you have diabetes.

You suffer from diabetes or you have a friend or relative with diabetes? You think people with diabetes are doomed? You don’t know what you can do and what you can’t? Don’t miss the opportunity to find the answers to all your questions. Offered information will inform you about all aspects of diabetic problem.

Care Your Sight

People with diabetes may have observed changes in their sight. Their sight may have become blurred at times because of higher than normal blood sugar levels that affect the lenses in their eyes. Nevertheless

- These changes settle once your treatment is prescribed and your blood sugar levels return to near normal values.
- You may visit your optician for a sight test in 2-3 months after diagnosis.
- If your diabetes treatment is modified you may noticed slight changes because your blood sugar levels are lowered.

You have to report your doctor about any change in your vision. Besides, early eye test by an optician are free for people with diabetes.

Besides, all people with diabetes have an additional risk of developing damage to their eyes. It may happen because of poor blood glucose and blood pressure control.

Such condition is called diabetic retinopathy.
- It is the main cause of blindness.
- Its progression can be prevented by good blood sugar control and management of high blood pressure.
- In early stages, diabetic retinopathy doesn’t cause pain or loss of sight. In case when symptoms are present, it may be impossible to treat the condition.

Eye screening checks are vital and should be done yearly.

Children with diabetes should start to have regular eye examinations at age 12.

The Procedure of Eye Screening
- During this procedure your eyesight is tested first.
- Then photographs are taken of the back of your eyes.
- It is done in dark room to let the pupils of the eyes to enlarge.
- Sometimes eye drops are used to make your pupils wider.
- In such case another appointment may be required for this.
- The drops affect your sight for a few hours.
- Your eyes will be sensitive to light for a few hours after the procedure. You may use your sunglasses to protect your sight.

What You Have to Do
- Report your optician that you have diabetes.
- Give your optician the name of your family doctor.
- People with diabetes can use contact lenses.
- If your eyes are required further treatment, you should be referred to an ophthalmologist.