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Eye Care
posted 05/19/04
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause permanent damage to your eyes (retinopathy). To reduce the chances of developing retinopathy:
 | Have annual eye exams and report any changes in your vision. Hyperglycemia can cause blurred vision. This is usually temporary and will clear up in 4 to 6 weeks with better blood glucose control. |
| Check your blood glucose regularly and keep it under control. |
| Control your blood pressure and avoid smoking. |
| If you have retinopathy, you may have activity limits. Be sure to talk to your doctor. |
Retinopathy
Uncontrolled diabetes over time can
cause permanent damage to the small vessels that supply the back of the eye
(retina). This damage is called retinopathy.
In its early stages, retinopathy does not affect vision. As the damage gets worse, however, blood vessels can leak, causing swelling in the back of the eye (macular edema), and if left untreated, can eventually cause blindness. Proliferative retinopathy occurs when new, weak vessels form. Blood leakage from these weak vessels can likewise result in blindness.
Retinopathy can be treated by using laser therapy and surgery to seal off leaking vessels and remove the blood blocking the retina.
Early treatment can prevent or delay vision loss.
Blurred Vision
Hyperglycemia can cause blurred vision. This is
usually temporary and will improve with better blood glucose control.
How To Protect Your Eyes
| Check your blood glucose and keep it under control. |
| Control your blood pressure (less than 130/80). |
| Have an annual dilated eye exam. |
| Do not smoke. |
| Have annual checkups with an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. |
| Notify your doctor, ophthalmologist, or optometrist of any changes in your vision. |
| If you have retinopathy, avoid activities that increase blood pressure and jarring/pounding activities. |
Source: LifeScan: InfoDek.
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