Protecting Your Vision When You Have Diabetes

Many people with diabetes develop an eye problem called diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the retina and lead to poor vision and even blindness.  “Prior to laser treatment, there really wasn’t too much we could do for diabetics.  We would just watch their vision deteriorate until the point where they went blind,” says Dr. Gabriel Sosne, a comprehensive ophthalmologist at the Detroit Medical Center’s (DMC) Kresge Eye Institute.  “But now, with regular eye checkups, proper management and good blood sugar controls, many studies have shown you can decrease the potential complications from diabetes.”

Dr. Sosne stresses that regular visits to your ophthalmologist and getting appropriate treatments are important in preventing vision problems.  Here are some other things you can do:

• Control your blood sugar and blood pressure levels
• Stop smoking
• Manage your diet and exercise plan under a doctor’s direction
• Upon diagnosis of diabetes, have your eyes checked immediately and at least once a year after that.

“It’s particularly important that people get their eyes checked, especially in the African-American community where there’s a higher risk of glaucoma.  Especially in males above the age of 40,” says Dr. Sosne.  “People with high blood pressure, diabetes and systemic diseases all need to have their eyes checked.  It’s a good idea for people to get their eyes checked anyway, and if nothing’s wrong you come back whenever it’s appropriate.”

Diet also plays an important role in eye health.  Four special nutrients can help reduce your risk of a common eye problem ─ age-related macular degeneration ─ by up to 35 percent.  According to RealAge health information, ample amounts of vitamins C & E, beta carotene and zinc can greatly reduce the risk of developing this eye disease that can lead to blindness.  Good sources of these nutrients include fresh produce, nuts, fortified cereals and supplements.  “Just like with other parts of your body, living a healthy lifestyle can protect your heart, your kidneys, your eyes,” explains Dr. Sosne.  “And sometimes vitamin supplements for various diseases might be good.  But you want to do it under the supervision of your doctor.”

The warning signs for diabetic retinopathy include any visual changes such as blurriness or seeing things floating around.  Most cases are treated with laser procedures. With proper care from an ophthalmologist, sight loss can be prevented.  DMC Kresge Eye Institute provides a full range of services, specializing in all problems with the eyes.  For more information or to make an appointment, call (313) 577-8900.  You can also read more on WebMD about the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.