11 May 5 Signs That Diabetes is Affecting Your Eyes

Diabetes is Affecting Your Eyes

The amount of people being diagnosed with diabetes is growing. With these growing numbers comes an increase in the amount of people whose vision is being affected by their diabetic condition. Diabetic eyes, one of the most disastrous effects of diabetes is on the rise and is a serious health problem. Here’s what you need to know:

Types of Diabetes

Firstly, become familiar with the many different types of diabetes:

• • Type 1: Occurs when the body cannot produce insulin.
  • Type 2: Occurs when the cells in the body don’t respond to insulin (the most common type of diabetes.)
  • Gestational Diabetes: Occurs when a pregnant person’s body becomes sensitive to insulin (typically goes away after birth.)

Regardless of the type, diabetes can cause some major health problems. It is critical to get proper treatment for diabetes so that you can avoid complications.

Eye Conditions Tied To Diabetes

• Glaucoma: Risk of developing glaucoma is higher in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, it is important to keep track of any changes in your vision and to get a diabetic eye exam as soon as possible.
• Cataracts: Cataracts are also common in people with diabetes and often presents itself at a younger age than other eye conditions. Get a diabetic eye exam if you have mild cataracts that are developing into a bigger problem.
• Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is a term that covers all disorders of the retina caused by diabetes. The 2 most common types of retinopathy are non-proliferative (when capillaries in the back of the eye balloon and form pouches, causing blood vessels to become blocked) and proliferative (when blood vessels are so damaged that they close off and new weaker ones that leak blood, grow in their place.)

Signs of Diabetic Eyes

Getting regular eye exams is essential for people with diabetes so they can ensure that their eyes are in a healthy state. If a person with diabetes starts developing diabetic eyes, it is even more important to commit to getting regular eye exams for early diagnosis and management so the condition can be can slowed down before it progresses to a detrimental state. Some signs of diabetic eyes that you should look out for include:

• • Frequent Headaches: Headaches are often signs of changes in vision. If you experience more headaches or migraines, then the visual pathway and back of eye should be checked to make sure diabetes hasn’t altered it in any way.
  • Vision Disruptions: If you start seeing auras, black spots, or floaters, it is definitely time to visit your optometrist, as these may be an indication of serious eye issues about to happen due to diabetic eyes.
  • Eye Fatigue: Eye fatigue or eye strain can indicate that there may be a possible change in one’s prescription or in the eye muscles’ motility due to blood flow.
  • Light Sensitivity: Do not mistake light sensitivity as a normal eye experience. Light sensitivity often means infection, corneal abrasions, uveitis and more. However, diabetic eyes can play a role in developing this symptom through creating other issues.

Diabetic eyes can dramatically change your eyes and cause major vision issues. Care for your eyes properly, especially if you have diabetes, by getting regular eye exams so that you can detect diabetic eye conditions early. Contact Dr. D’Orio Eyecare today to book a Diabetic Eye Exam appointment and consult with our eye professionals today: North York Eye Clinic: (416) 661-5555, Toronto Eye Clinic: (416) 656-2020.