If you have diabetes, you probably already know how important it is to manage your blood sugar. But did you know that diabetes can also affect your eyes?
That’s why Nicanor Lacsina, OD, and Yelena Pinkhasova, OD, offer comprehensive diabetic eye care here in the Bronx, New York. If you’re concerned about your eye health, we encourage you to request an appointment.
In the meantime, read on as the Bainbridge Eye Care team answers four FAQs regarding diabetic eye disease.
Diabetic eye disease isn’t just one condition; it’s an umbrella term for several eye problems caused by diabetes, including:
High blood sugar can damage the lining of blood vessels all over your body, and the blood vessels in your eyes aren’t immune to damage. When this happens to the blood vessels in your retina, you develop diabetic retinopathy. It can lead to vision changes or even blindness if untreated.
Diabetic macular edema is a complication of retinopathy. If you have diabetic macular edema, it means that fluid is building up in your macula, the part of your eye responsible for sharp vision. The swelling and fluid buildup limit your clear vision and cause blurry sight.
Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy. While anyone can get a cataract, people with diabetes are more likely to develop them at a younger age.
Glaucoma involves damage to your optic nerve, often from increased eye pressure, and diabetes doubles your risk of developing this sight-threatening condition.
Millions of people with diabetes struggle with these conditions. For example, 9.6 million people have diabetic retinopathy, and another 1.84 million have a more severe form called vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy. And, another 2.6 million have diabetic macular edema.
In the early stages, you may not notice any symptoms at all, which is why routine eye exams are essential.
As the disease progresses, you might experience blurry vision, dark or empty spots, floaters, or difficulty seeing at night. Your symptoms vary depending on which specific eye disease you develop. Cataracts, for example, can make your vision hazy, while glaucoma can cause diplopia (double vision) or eye pain.
If you notice any of these changes, schedule an appointment with your Bainbridge Eye Care provider right away.
The best defense against diabetic eye disease (or any eye disease, for that matter) is proactive care. Keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol within your target range.
Don’t skip your annual dilated eye exam. This exam enables Dr. Lacsina or Dr. Pinkhasova to spot early changes before they cause permanent vision loss.
Lifestyle changes can help too. Quitting smoking, staying active, and following a balanced diet can also make a big difference. Specifically, eat a diet including good nutrients like lutein and vitamin A.
Your treatment options depend on the severity of your condition. In the early stages, close monitoring and controlling your diabetes may be enough.
In more advanced cases, we might recommend laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections, or other procedures to help slow or stop vision loss. The key — no matter which diabetic eye disease you have — is catching it early.
Diabetic eye disease can be critical, but it doesn’t have to lead to vision loss. Regular exams and diabetes management are beneficial and keep eyes healthy for years to come.
If you’re due for a diabetic eye exam at Bainbridge Eye Care, call 718-306-9127 today. You can also book an appointment online to get started.
