Eye health matters: how diabetes affects your vision
ONE of the most common causes of vision loss is diabetic eye disease along with glaucoma and cataracts, says the Cape Eye Hospital.
Up to 80% of diabetics develop eye problems if they have had the condition for ten years or more. Diabetic eye disease damages the retina, which can lead to permanent vision loss.
“Chronically elevated sugar levels cause damage to the small blood vessels in the retina, which then results in leakage and swelling.
“Abnormal blood vessels can also grow on the surface of the retina and pull the retina loose or break and lead to bleeding in the eye that suddenly causes the vision to decrease,” Cape Eye Hospital explained.
Most people only find out too late that there is a problem with their eyes when the changes have already progressed and they have extensive changes.
Annual eye examinations are therefore very important to pick up changes early and preserve as much vision as possible, according to the Cape Eye Hospital.
Up to 90% of severe vision loss can be prevented by monitoring and early treatment.
Sometimes laser treatment is necessary to stop the disease from getting worse.
“Make sure your sugar is under control, as well as your blood pressure.
Do enough exercise and eat a healthy diet.
“Feel free to call one of our skilled eye specialists for an appointment to have your annual eye examination done and thus prevent vision loss.”
Contact the Cape Eye Hospital on 021 948 8884 or visit https://www.cape-eye.co.za/
