Many cases of blindness are caused by diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and in the USA alone it accounts for 7% of cases of blindness in adults aged between 22 to 70 years old. But even if this condition is responsible for eye problems, not all people suffering from diabetes have major problems with eyes, but rather minor complicaitons.
In order to keep these sorts of problems from becoming more severe, the solution would be the early intervention.
There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2, but eye problems can be present with long-term complication generated by type 2 diabetes. The increased levels of glucose and the high blood pressure are the triggers for common eye problems known as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma.
When diabetic retinopathy occurs it will lead to blindness especially with adult people. The retina consists of tiny blood vessels that can be easily damaged if high blood pressure and if high level of blood sugar manifest. The condition called diabetic retinopathy may present an unusual growth of new blood vessels on the surface of the retina or belongs to those blood vessels of the retina that leak fluid. One complication generated from diabetic retinopathy is known as the detached retina. With the occurrence of this condition, immediate assistance with your doctor is recommended.
The next condition related to eye problems when suffering from type 2 diabetes is glaucoma. This one occurs more often especially if there is medical family history of this condition. It is related to diabetics since its incidence is twice than with those persons who do not suffer from diabetes.
The other condition more commonly met is known as cataracts, occurring in the early days of diabetes manifestation, and in those people who have the bad habit of smoking.
Unfortunately all these eye problems related to type 2 diabetes can not be prevented on many occasions, but once you reach into monitoring the condition, you can have better chances to control the sickness’ consequences. It is important to have the retina checked in the early phase of diabetes installation as you have more chances to prevent the diabetic retinopathy.
The following indications are given for you to be able to prevent the above mentioned eye problems:
- Try to keep blood sugar levels under strict control.
- Check your blood pressure.
- Do not smoke or quit smoking immediately.
- Visit your doctor the sooner you observe any changes in your eyes sight, expecially if you develop blurred vision.
- Have your eyes checked as soon as possible (in the early stages) or the way your doctor recommends you to.
- As a pregnant woman you should have your eyes checked during the first 3 months of pregnancy.