Diabetic and Your Eyes
Treatment for Diabetic Eye Issues in Oklahoma City
Diabetes can cause many changes to the eyes. A fluctuating blood sugar level can change the glasses prescription significantly. We recommend six to eight weeks of stable blood sugar before purchasing new glasses. Diabetes can increase a patient’s risk of glaucoma, and diabetics often develop cataracts sooner than their nondiabetic peers.
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition in which the fragile blood vessels in the retina
become damaged from uncontrolled blood sugar. The blood vessels leak fluid, causing obstruction of blood flow and swelling in the back of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition, and may lead to severe vision loss or even blindness. The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is to keep blood sugar under good control, along with a healthy diet and exercise. There are treatments for retinopathy with laser treatments and injections, but the vision may remain impaired, even after treatment. Annual dilated eye examination with your ophthalmologist or optometrist is recommended, and may be suggested twice a year if any early signs of retinopathy are noted.
