Diabetes and Eye Care- Tips for Getting the Best Eyesight Possible Even with Diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic eye disease can incorporate several different serious eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, and basic diabetic retinopathy. Here is some generally information about diabetic eye disease, including how you can prevent diabetic eye conditions or help to treat them:

There are several types of diabetic eye diseases

The eye is a complicated system that incorporates muscles, nerves, and very complicated components. With all of these components working perfectly together, we have perfect vision. However, it is quite common to have one component slightly off, which causes imperfect vision, including near-sightedness or far-sightedness. However, when there is a serious issue affection one component, more serious conditions may develop, which will require special treatment. These serious conditions include:

• Diabetic retinopathy - which is a condition in which the blood vessels and retina are damaged

• Cataracts - these are "clouds" that may develop in the eyes and reduce vision. While elderly people often develop cataracts, they may also be developed by individuals at a younger age when they have diabetes.

• Glaucoma - this condition is caused by fluid pressure that can lead to optic nerve damage and blindness. Diabetics are twice as likely to develop glaucoma than others.

Amongst all of these eye diseases, diabetic retinopathy is the most common for diabetics to develop. In fact, diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness for American adults, according to the National Institutes of Health.

What causes diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is caused when the blood vessels within the retina change. The retina is located in the back of the eye and is sensitive to light. It is an essential part of the eye and helps us to see clearly as light is refracted into the eye system. When an individual has diabetic retinopathy, sometimes, these blood vessels will swell and secrete fluid. Other times, new abnormal blood vessels will develop on the surface of the retina.

In most cases, diabetic retinopathy affects both eyes. It may develop gradually and eventually lead to blindness.

Treating diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy can be treated by controlling blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol, according to the National Institutes of Health. It may also be treated with scatter laser surgery, which can shrink the abnormal blood vessels. Diabetics suffering from eye problems may also find comfort in some common eye care products, such as large-number clocks, pain relief masks, and eye drops. These eye care products are inexpensive ways to improve comfort and help diabetics cope with diabetic eye diseases.

Sources:

http://shop.imtypefree.com/Diabetes-Eye-Care-s/29.htm

http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy.asp