Preventing Eye Disease

If you experience any changes in your vision, notify your doctor immediately. An eye examination can determine the cause of your vision change, and you can begin timely treatment. Today, treatment can dramatically reduce your risk of severe visual loss.

Remember, your eyes can become damaged without your knowing it, as the damage can occur in areas that do not affect vision and you often feel no pain. Only careful eye examinations at regular intervals will detect the damage. If you have type 1 diabetes, it’s a good idea to have your eyes examined by an eye doctor expert in diabetes care at least once a year. If you have type 2 diabetes, your eyes should be examined when your diabetes is diagnosed and at least once a year afterward. Under certain circumstances, you may need immediate attention. Call your eye doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain, the sensation that a curtain is coming down over your eyes, black or red floating spots in your vision, or distortion or waviness of straight lines. Your eye doctor will want to see you right away.

Presently there is no known cure for diabetic retinopathy, and no known means to prevent it from occurring. However, it is clear from major, nationwide clinical studies that the risk of severe vision loss (being able to see only the largest letter on the eye chart five feet in front of you) from proliferative retinopathy can be reduced and the risk of moderate vision loss from diabetic macular edema can be substantially reduced by proper eye care and laser treatment when necessary.

If you have lost some sight from diabetic retinopathy, ask your eye care professional about vision rehabilitation or low vision services and devices that may help you make the most of your remaining vision. Ask for a referral to a specialist in low vision. Many community organizations and agencies offer information about low vision counseling, training, and other special services for people with visual impairments. A nearby school of medicine or optometry may provide low vision services.

Remember that you are the key player in preventing eye complications associated with diabetes. Research shows that you may be able to reduce your chance of having eye problems by practicing good diabetes management. To do that you need to see your healthcare team at least twice a year (and have your eyes examined yearly), monitor your blood glucose, take your medications, follow a meal plan and be physically active every day.

For information on diabetic retinopathy click here.