Diabetes can be difficult to navigate, but the little-known truth is that it is the primary cause of blindness among adults under the age of 55 in the United States. Over time, diabetes can damage your eyes and cause vision loss.
If you have diabetes, you should be on the lookout for any changes in your vision. Asheville Vision and Wellness is here to help you recognize the warning signs and care for your eyes.
Diabetes and How It Can Affect Your Vision
Diabetes can cause visual difficulties other than blurry and impaired vision; however, they may begin as a kind of reduced vision. Diabetes-related conditions include:
- Glaucoma: caused by increased pressure in the eye, which causes optic nerve damage, and, in many cases, visual loss. Diabetes increases your risk of developing glaucoma by 40%.
- Cataracts: clouding in the eye that impairs vision. Diabetics are 60% more prone than non-diabetics to get cataracts, and they develop them at a younger age.
- Retinopathy: develops when high blood sugar levels start to affect the blood vessels that supply the eye. These blood arteries are essential to the health and function of your eyes. High blood pressure can cause them to swell, which can lead to vision problems. Diabetes-related retinopathy accounts for 12% of new occurrences of blindness.
These are signs that your diabetes may be affecting your vision and eye health:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Seeing spots floating in your eyes
- Eye pain or strain
- Seeing flashing lights
- Trouble seeing colors
- Blind or black spots
- Vision change
- Double vision
- Vision loss
Diabetic Vision Care in Asheville, NC
To keep your vision sharp, you should take good care of your health to prevent diabetes complications. Eye problems are common in people with diabetes due to high blood sugar levels, which can lead to diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Schedule an appointment with Asheville Vision and Wellness at least once a year. Our specialists can detect and treat diabetes-related conditions with the latest technology and experienced care. For over three decades, we have provided comprehensive eye examinations, contact lenses, and medical eye evaluations to patients throughout western North Carolina.
Our eye specialists are qualified to provide a wide range of eye care services to our patients, including complete eye examinations, contact lenses, and medical eye evaluations. If you need a routine eye exam or believe you may be at risk for diabetic vision loss, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists now.