Diabetes and Eye Problems

People with diabetes can hardly process starches and sugars through their systems. These compounds remain un-assimilated and become part of blood that flows through the blood stream. High levels of sugar (or glucose) in the blood, constitute a condition that is also known as glycemia. A blood test often determines or establishes if one has glycemia or not. Diabetics need access to monitors and are expected to regularly test their blood sugar levels to check if they are having conditions of glycemia or not.

Glycemia gives rise to various side effects or complications for people with diabetes. The complications or side effects include heart, circulation, blood vessel, kidney, sexual and eye problems. High blood sugar levels strain the blood vessels and put at risk the eyesight of diabetics. Eye problems caused by diabetes result from pressure on delicate blood vessels surrounding the various parts of the eye, such as the vitreous, retina, optic nerve and lens.

It takes time for eye problems caused by diabetes to make themselves manifest. The problems begin with retina damage. Very small blood vessels comprise the retina and high amounts of blood sugar cause these tiny vessels to get irritated and swell. The retina fails to function at full capacity and afflicted persons begin to experience eyesight problems. This therefore makes it necessary for diabetics to avail themselves of eye examination at least once every year. The examination includes, among other things, dilating the eyes to determine how the condition may have improved or worsened.

Advanced condition of eye problems caused by diabetes is known as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetics must seek the help of qualified opthamologists who have had experiences treating, or at least familiar with, this particular condition.

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include flashing lights, blurry vision, aching sensation in the eyes, and dark spots fronting the eyes. Diabetics who experience these problems must consult an ophthalmologist for a thorough eye examination. In extreme but not very remote cases, surgery might be needed by diabetics who are having eye problems to restore their eyesight. Treatments are also available that can prevent more damage to the eye.

Eye problems caused by diabetes can be controlled by following a responsive diabetic diet that is guided by the Glycemic Index. This index rates various foods and indicates which of them should have no place in a diabetic diet. Diabetics are also well advised to have plenty of exercise, and shun smoking and alcohol. Maintaining normal weights is also very important for diabetics.

There are other known eye problems caused by diabetes. They include glaucoma and cataracts. Compared to glaucoma, a cataract is easy to treat. Glaucoma can lead to blindness and needs a more complex treatment. This further explains why diabetics who experience eye problems must seek the help of competent ophthalmologists.

Eye problems caused by diabetes can be prevented by diabetics if they maintain a diet and lifestyle that responds positively to their condition, and comply faithfully to the treatment prescribed for them. They need regular doses of exercise. They must watch their weight. They need to familiarize themselves with the Glycemic Index and they need to deprive themselves with foods that have high carbohydrate and sugar content. They must reject alcohol and smoking. It is necessary for them to comply with the medication prescribed for them by their doctors. They need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly, again as instructed by doctors. By following these dietary and medical guidelines, diabetics can avoid eye problems and other dangerous complications caused by diabetes.