Eye Damage

 

 

Diabetes can cause eye problems that lead to loss of sight.  The most frequent eye problem caused from diabetes is a disease called retinopathy.  Other eye problems happen more frequently in persons with diabetes.  Two of these are cataracts and glaucoma.  These problems are detected by an eye exam only.

 

There is a lot you can do to take charge and prevent eye problems.  Keeping your blood sugar close to normal can prevent or delay the onset of eye disease.  Keeping your blood pressure under control is also important in preventing eye problems.  Finding and treating eye problems early can help save your sight.

 

Text Box: If you're having trouble with your vision, talk with your health care team or eye doctor.

 

 

 

    Signs of Eye Problems

 

Eye disease may be developing even when you do not notice a change in vision. It is important to have an eye exam every year.  Seek eye care if you experience a new onset of the following:

 

·    Blurred vision

·    Seeing rings around lights

·    Dark spots or flashing lights

 

 

 

 

 

Protect Your Sight

·    Control Your Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can damage your eyes as time goes by.  Work with your health care team to keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as you can.

 

·    Control Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels to your eyes.  Have your health care provider check your blood pressure during each clinic visit.  Your blood pressure is controlled if it is less than 130/80.                                                            

·     Eat Right and Be Active

 

Choose a balanced diet by eating from all food groups every day.  Eat fewer foods that are high in sweets, saturated fats and sodium.  Learn the serving size for each food and eat to meet your energy needs only.  Work with a dietitian to plan healthy meals.  Start a safe exercise program.

·        Get Regular Eye Exams

Text Box: Get a complete eye exam each year.

 To protect your sight, a complete eye exam is recommended, even if you are seeing fine.  You still need to have regular eye care even if you have lost your sight from eye disease.  You should have your eyes dilated and examined once a year.  Eye drops are used to dilate or enlarge the pupils to see inside better.  This may affect your vision for a few hours and your eyes may be sensitive to light.  Plan to bring sunglasses, delay driving for awhile or ask someone else to drive.

 

 

Discuss Your Physical Activity Plan

Talk with your health care provider about the kind of physical activity that is best for you if you have eye disease.  The wrong kind of exercise can worsen eye damage.   

 

Treating Eye Disease

 

Treating eye problems early can help save your sight.  Laser surgery may help people who have advanced eye disease.  An operation called a vitrectomy may help those who have lost their sight from bleeding in the back of the eye.

 

If your sight is poor, an eye doctor who is an expert in low vision may be able to give you glasses or other devices that can help you use your limited vision more fully.  Ask your health care provider about support groups and job training for people with low vision.  Some resources for eye care are listed in the Resource section of this workbook.