The high blood sugar — or blood glucose — levels affecting those with diabetes make the body more susceptible to other health problems like eye damage. This can include conditions that potentially lead to diabetic eye disease. So, it’s important to receive a yearly eye exam and speak with your optometrist about the precautions and damaging effects. The experts at Colorado River Eye Care, in Bullhead City, AZ, remain the leading eye clinic to provide the best eye care treatment and detection plans.

Diabetes & Your Eye Health

It’s common for blood sugar levels to rise and temporary blurriness to occur during a change in medications or care plans. But, if this persists over a few weeks and more symptoms occur, your eye health could be at risk.

Certain conditions can lead to damage to the tiny blood vessels in your eye causing fluid to leak and swelling to occur. As new blood vessels form, they have the potential to bleed, scar, and put pressure on your vision — the cause of permanent vision loss and blindness.

Diabetic Eye Disease

Those suffering from diabetes are at risk to developing other eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy which occurs when the retina is damaged due to high blood glucose levels damaging blood vessels. Your doctor will also conduct an eye exam and various assessments to check for diabetic macular edema, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Eyesight Protection

To keep your eyes healthy and prevent the potential damage high blood sugar levels can cause, there are a few things to keep in mind. Your eye doctor should perform a dilated eye exam to check for changes and leaking in your blood vessels, damage to nerves and lens, and swelling in the macula. Also, keep an eye on your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels; let your optometrist know if these levels remain high.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms or have been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s vital to see an optometrist every few months. The advanced eye care professionals at Colorado River Eye Care, in Bullhead City, AZ, provide a yearly eye exam to ensure your eyes remain healthy. They also supply designer frames and contacts to keep your vision sharp. When you’re ready, visit their website to learn more!