Your Health Can Affect Your Vision

Managing your health is a constant responsibility. But as you take care of your body, it’s important to understand that your overall well-being can affect your eye health and vision. One of the most common health conditions that can affect your eyes is diabetes.

Diabetes is common in the US, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to manage the issues it may cause. If you live with diabetes, please make sure you’re having regular eye exams with our team at Golden Hills Optometry.

We’re here to help preserve your vision, and that journey can start today.

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What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a systemic health problem that currently affects millions of Americans. There are different types of diabetes, and you may have an increased risk of developing it if you are overweight, maintain an unhealthy lifestyle, or have a family history of the disease.

Diabetes affects how your body processes sugar, otherwise known as glucose. If your body doesn’t process sugar properly, your blood sugar levels can rise and introduce health issues that can affect your teeth, heart, and eyes.

Common Diabetic Eye Problems

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common eye diseases you can develop when you have diabetes. This disease develops as high blood sugar levels damage your retina’s blood vessels, causing them to bulge, break, and leak fluid.

In advanced cases, diabetic retinopathy could trigger the growth of abnormal blood vessels that, over time, could create scar tissue on your retina. Retinal scar tissue can increase the risk of retinal detachment and blindness.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic macular edema is an eye disease that can happen in conjunction with diabetic retinopathy. As fluid leaks from your damaged blood vessels, it can pool underneath your macula, causing your macula to swell and damage your vision.

Your macula is responsible for your central vision, the vision you use to see fine details, read, drive and recognize faces.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage your optic nerve. The most common form of this disease is open-angle glaucoma, and diabetes can double your risk of developing it. Open-angle glaucoma develops slowly and often without noticeable symptoms for years.

To learn more about open-angle glaucoma, please visit our Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management page.

Cataracts

Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions that occur as you age. In fact, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the country and around the globe, and diabetes can increase your risk of developing it at a younger age.

Cataracts occur as your eye’s lens becomes more rigid as you get older, developing a milky, hazy color that affects your vision. You may be able to correct early vision problems with glasses or contacts, but the only way to remove cataracts is through surgery.

Get Help Preserving Your Vision

Diabetes may be a part of your life, but our team can help control how it affects your vision. Start taking care of your vision today by booking your appointment—we can’t wait to help you!

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