Why Do Diabetics Have Poor Eyesight?
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Diabetes and Your Eye
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People with diabetes face a higher risk for eye problems. Still, poor vision is not inevitable. According to the American Diabetic Association (ADA), most people with diabetes have little or no loss of sight. Regular eye exams are important, however, since diabetes carries a higher risk for glaucoma, cataracts and retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels that support the eye).
Temporary Problems
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Poor eyesight can result when high blood sugar levels (a result of diabetes) cause the lens of the eye to enlarge. The changed shape of the lens leads to blurred vision. This can be reversed by getting blood sugar levels under control.
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Serious Illness
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Pressure and swelling resulting from diabetes can cause permanent damage to the eye. According to the ADA, people with diabetes are 40 percent more likely to have glaucoma, and 60 percent more likely to develop cataracts. The National Eye Institute (NEI) reports that 40 to 45 percent of people with diabetes have some form of retinopathy. All of these conditions, left untreated, can lead to loss of vision, and eventually blindness.
Eye Care
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Regular eye exams can spot threats to the vision before they become serious. Treatment for diabetes-related eye conditions may include medication, laser projections and surgery. Controlling the symptoms of diabetes, especially high blood sugar levels, can halt the progression of many eye problems.
Related Risk Factors
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Smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can worsen eye problems resulting from diabetes. If you have diabetes and want to protect your vision, adopting healthy eating habits, losing weight, and quitting smoking may make an important contribution.
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