Diabetics Must Monitor Their Eye Health

Diabetes is quickly becoming one of the biggest epidemics of the 21st century. Its prevalence among adults and children is making it a topic of concern nationwide. Health professionals are redoubling their efforts to educate the public about its harmful complications, including eye conditions that can cause blindness. 

At the offices of Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis, our team of highly skilled eye specialists is superbly equipped to treat eye conditions associated with diabetes. We love building strong and longtime relationships with our patients, and we look forward to meeting you and discussing how we can give our patients eye care that will help keep them healthy throughout their lives.

Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (blood sugar) that eventually leads to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form. The body resists the effects of insulin—a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into the cells—or doesn’t make sufficient insulin to sustain a healthy glucose level. Left untreated, high blood sugar can lead to eye complications that can cause blindness, such as:

Cataracts cloud the eye’s natural lenses, which lie behind the iris and the pupil. Cataracts are usually caused by negative alterations in the eye as we age. However, disease, sun exposure, surgery and medications can also have a role in its development.

Diabetic retinopathy iscaused by swelling and damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). When the retina is damaged, the patient can’t correctly process images, resulting in decreased vision. At first, diabetic retinopathy may cause only mild problems, but as it progresses, symptoms can include blurred vision, fluctuating vision, the appearance of visual dark spots (floaters) or vision loss. 

Glaucoma occurs when there is a gradual increase in the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes. The increased pressure can damage the optic nerve, causing vision loss. It’s a particularly dangerous disease because there are no symptoms until there’s significant damage and a loss of peripheral vision. 

The longer a patient has diabetes and the less controlled his blood sugar is, the more likely it is that he’ll develop eye complications. That’s why maintaining good control of your blood sugar and early detection through regular eye exams is so important.

At the office of Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis, you can feel comfortable and relaxed while receiving the very best in vision care. Be confident that everything in our office is clean, comfortable and thoroughly sterilized. Please call to schedule an appointment. 

By Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis

May 30, 2023