Diabetes and Your Eye Health

With about 37 million people in the U.S. having diabetes, the chances are good that someone you know, or maybe even you, has this disease. Diabetes can have a significant impact on your overall health and your eye health. Left unmanaged and untreated, diabetes can lead to many health complications and increase your risk of developing other health issues. People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing health issues such as heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and heart disease.

Because diabetes impacts your blood vessels, it can lead to other diabetes complications such as nerve damage, vision loss, and hearing loss.

The good news? Early detection of diabetes can help preserve your vision and help you stay healthy.

How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes

People with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing serious eye diseases including:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Macular edema
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts

For people between age 18 and 64, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness — and it can progress without any noticeable signs or symptoms.

Warning Signs of Diabetes

• Sudden blurry or double vision
• Increased thirst or frequent urination
• Extreme fatigue or unexplained weight loss

If you have diabetes or are at risk, regular eye exams are crucial. An eye exam can detect early stages of diabetic retinopathy or other related conditions. Consider making an appointment with Eyecare Professionals of Gahanna so we can monitor your eye health and catch issues early.

Don't let diabetes steal your sight! Call us at (614) 476-2015 today.