How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes

Did you know that diabetes can adversely affect your eyesight? Diabetic macular edema and diabetic retinopathy are just a couple of eye conditions that can impact those with diabetes. You may not realize the effect on your vision because these conditions often bring about painless and subtle changes. However, the threat is very real and serious, potentially leading to blurry vision or, worse, vision loss. Fortunately, at Slingsby and Huot Eye Care Associates in Rapid City, we possess the knowledge and experience to help you maintain healthy eyes and clear vision.

Symptoms

In the early stages of your diabetes diagnosis, you may not notice any impact on your vision. However, it may be time to consult an ophthalmologist if you experience the following symptoms:

1. Vision loss

2. Floaters in your vision (dark strings or floating spots)

3. Fluctuation in your eyesight (some days, you see better than others)

4. Dim or darkened areas in your vision

Additionally, developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy or having diabetes before becoming pregnant can increase your risk of vision challenges. If you are pregnant and have diabetes, your ophthalmologist may recommend additional eye exams. Don't hesitate to contact your eye specialist if you experience blurry vision, as it could be a symptom of compromised blood flow due to diabetes, leading to blood vessel swelling or leakage.

How can you lower the risk of diabetes affecting your eyes?

Many of the same treatments recommended by your primary care doctor and endocrinologist to maintain healthy blood sugar levels can also help protect your eyes when affected by diabetes. Consider the following steps to reduce the risk of diabetes affecting your eyesight:

1. Maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

2. Work towards achieving healthy blood pressure goals.

3. Strive to attain and maintain a healthy weight.

4. Maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

5. Avoid smoking.

6. Stay physically active by engaging in regular exercise.

Developing these healthy habits can mitigate the effects of compromised blood flow and other potentially harmful conditions that can negatively impact your overall health and vision. However, it's advisable to visit your ophthalmologist as recommended to safeguard your eyes from this silent threat to your vision.

Make an Appointment with Our Ophthalmology Professionals

Are you looking for an eye doctor near me? If you want to determine whether diabetes is affecting your eyes, have any other questions, or wish to schedule an appointment with us, call Slingsby and Huot Eye Care Associates in Rapid City at (605) 719-9499. If you are located just outside of Rapid City, inquire about the many outreach clinics available in Pierre, Belle Fourche, and Spearfish, SD.