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Many Diabetics Avoid Eye Exams
Many people with diabetes may not
be getting an annual eye exam that could help them prevent
diabetes-related eye disease and possible blindness, experts
say.
If you have diabetes, you are at greater risk for blindness,
the American Diabetes Association (ADA) says. Most people
with diabetes develop only minor eye disorders, however. And
with prompt treatment, you may be able to prevent minor
disorders from developing into more serious problems.
That's why it's important to have your eyes
thoroughly checked at least once a year if you have
diabetes.
Here are some common eye problems that people with diabetes
may experience.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds
up in the eye. The increased pressure squeezes the blood
vessels that bring blood to the retina and optic nerve. Over
time, the retina and optic nerve become damaged from the
pressure, and vision declines.
People with diabetes are 40 percent more likely to develop
glaucoma than people without diabetes, the ADA says. The
longer you have diabetes, the greater your chance of
developing glaucoma.
Treatment for glaucoma includes drug therapy or surgery. Talk
to your doctor if you have diabetes and glaucoma to see which
treatment is appropriate for you.
Cataracts
When the clear lens of the eye
clouds over, it's called a cataract. Cataracts block the
light from entering the eye. Although many older adults
develop cataracts, people with diabetes are 60 percent more
likely to have them, the ADA says. People with diabetes tend
to get cataracts at a younger age; cataracts progress faster
in people with diabetes.
Mild cataracts can be handled by wearing sunglasses. If a
cataract affects vision, an eye doctor can remove the lens of
the eye, the ADA says. People with diabetes don't fare as
well as others when they have a lens removed. Glaucoma may
develop, and damage to the retina (retinopathy) may get
worse.
Retinopathy
Diabetes can damage the retina
(retinopathy). There are two main types of diabetic
retinopathy: nonproliferative retinopathy and proliferative
retinopathy.
Nonproliferative retinopathy is more common and milder, the
ADA says. It usually does not affect vision. In this form of
retinopathy, blood vessels in the eye balloon and form
pouches. Because this kind of retinopathy can get worse,
it's important to have your eyes checked regularly. The
blood vessels may deteriorate, and the retina can become
swollen. If the swelling affects the center of the retina,
the condition is called macular edema, the ADA says. This can
lead to loss of vision.
Proliferative retinopathy is the more advanced form of
retinopathy. In this form, the blood vessels are so damaged
that new blood vessels begin growing in the eye, the ADA
says. These new vessels are weak and can leak blood, blocking
vision. This condition is called vitreous hemorrhage. Scar
tissue also can develop; this scar tissue can distort the
retina or cause a retinal detachment, the ADA says. This can
lead to loss of vision.
Early treatment of retinopathy can help prevent blindness in
most people. It's best to treat retinopathy before vision
problems occur. Your doctor is your best source of
information on available treatments.
The longer you have diabetes, the greater your risk for
retinopathy, the ADA says. Nearly everyone who has type 1
diabetes, and most who have type 2 diabetes, will develop
nonproliferative retinopathy. People who keep their blood
sugar near normal are less likely to develop retinopathy or
to have milder forms, the ADA says.
Prevention
The ADA suggests the following steps
to avoid eye problems if you have diabetes.
Keep your blood sugar levels under tight control. People who
keep their blood sugar levels close to normal are much less
likely to develop retinopathy, or to have it progress.
Keep your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure
can contribute to eye problems.
Quit smoking.
See an eye doctor at least once a year for a thorough
examination. It's important to see an eye doctor and not
just your regular doctor for an eye exam, the ADA says. You
eyes should be dilated for the exam.
Warning signs
See your eye doctor if you have any
of these symptoms:
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Blurry vision
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Difficulty reading signs
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Double vision
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Eye pain
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Chronically red eyes
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Noticeable pressure in the eye
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Floats or spots
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Straight lines don't look straight
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Peripheral vision problems
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