Diabetes Related Vision Problems…

Diabetes Related Vision Problems | Eye Damage caused by Diabetes | Eye Care for Diabetics
Arizona, Tempe, Mesa, Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, AZ

Those suffering from diabetes and it's symptoms are at risk when it comes to poor or low vision. According to the American Diabetic Association (ADA) regular eye exams are important in order to reduce the risk of diabetes related eyesight issue. The most common diabetes related issues include: Glaucoma, cataracts and retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels that support the eye. If you are concerned about your diabetes and potential loss of vision, please consider the following...


Temporary Vision Problems Caused by Diabetes
High blood sugar levels are common amongst diabetics. Increased blood sugar levels can cause the lens of the eye to enlarge. This tends to change the shape of the eye lens and can lead to blurred vision. These temporary symptoms can usually be revised by getting blood sugar levels stabilized and under control.


More Serious Concerns for Eye Damage
Permanent damage can sometimes result from constant pressure and swelling of 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 for Diabetics
The most important aspect of eye care for the diabetic is to seek regular eye exams. Consistent professional eye care will help prevent and/or control diabetes related vision problems before they become too serious. Controlling the symptoms of diabetes, especially high blood sugar levels, can halt the progression of many eye problems. Treatment for diabetes-related eye conditions may include medication, laser projections and surgery.


Other Diabetes Related Vision Risk Factors 
Obesity, high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol can increase eye problems resulting from diabetes. If you want to preserve your vision, adopt a more healthy lifestyle by eating right, exercising and avoiding harmful substances and/or smoking.

What are the Most Common Causes of Low Vision?

Low Vision | Cloudy Vision | Vision affected by Diabetes
AZ, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Arizona

Eye diseases or conditions may be responsible for visual impairment.
Some of the more common causes include:

Macular Degeneration - A disorder that affects the retina, the light sensitive lining at the back of the eye where images are focused.

Diabetic Retinopathy - Vision and/or visual functioning can fluctuate from day to day as a result of diabetes.  Diabetes can cause blood vessels that nourish the retina to develop tiny, abnormal branches that leak.


Retinitis Pigmentosa - Retinitis pigmentosa gradually destroys night vision, severely reduces side vision, and may result in total impairment. An inherited disease, it usually produces its first symptom—night blindness—in childhood or adolescence.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) - Previously known as retrolental fibroplasia, retinopathy of prematurity occurs in infants born prematurely and is caused by high oxygen levels in incubators during the critical neonatal period.

Retinal Detachment - Retinal detachment may result in total impairment in the detached area of the affected eye.

Cataracts - A cataract is a clouding of part or all of the lens inside the eye. This clouding interferes with light reaching the retina at the back of the eye, resulting in a generalized loss of vision.

Glaucoma - Glaucoma is a form of damage to the optic nerve, which can result in vision impairment.

Acquired (Traumatic) Brain Injury - Vision can also be lost or damaged as a result of head injuries, brain damage and stroke.

Click here to read full details on these common causes of low or impaired vision. If you suffer from low vision, don't take a chance, contact a local eye doctor in Arizona that specializes in treating the visually impaired.