Diabetes and your eyes Watching birds flit through the trees, spotting friends at a party, reading a restaurant menu— you use your eyes for all kinds of things. It’s sometimes easy to take your sight for granted. But with diabetes, there are no guarantees, especially when it comes to your vision. People with diabetes are at increased risk for eye problems. That’s because when blood sugar levels get out of control, they can damage all your blood vessels, including the delicate ones in your eyes. Looking diabetes in the eye Diabetes, whether type 1, type 2 or gestational, can harm your: ● Retina, a light-detecting tissue in the back of your eye. ● Optic nerve, which transmits signals from your retina to your brain. ● Lens, which is normally clear. An eye disease called diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common culprit behind diabetes-related vision loss. It develops when damaged blood vessels in the retina start to weaken, swell and leak. In the early stages of DR, you may notice: ● Blurred or distorted vision. ● Dark spots. ● Blind spots. ● Difficulty seeing colors. Your retina grows new blood vessels to help repair the damage, but these new vessels are also weak. Over time, the ongoing damage can lead to partial or total blindness. Treatment—which includes eye injections, lasers and eye surgery—works well, especially when started early. Early treatment might even reverse some damage. But your best weapon against DR is regularly getting dilated eye exams. Dilated eye exams You should have a dilated eye exam at least once a year. This exam is more than just a standard eye exam. During a dilated eye exam, your eye doctor: ● Puts drops in your eyes that cause your pupils to widen painlessly. ● Looks into your eyes using a special lens. ● Examines the entire eye to find signs of damage or disease. ● Talks with you about any vision problems you may be having. Early treatment for DR or other vision problems is vital to preserving your vision. Managing your blood sugar and blood pressure also goes a long way in protecting your eye health. Talk with your doctor about all aspects of your diabetes management, including eye health. Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Eye Institute Use your Kern Legacy benefits for yearly checkups Diabetes is a systemic condition that can have a profound impact on eye health, often without any early warning signs. Ophthalmology services play a critical role in preventing and managing these conditions. Annual comprehensive eye exams are essential because diabetic eye disease often develops silently, without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. The most effective way to protect vision is through early detection and proactive management. Scheduling yearly eye exams, even when vision seems normal, is vital. For a comprehensive list of contracted ophthalmologists on your Kern Legacy Health Plan, visit www.kerncounty healthbenefits.com or call the Member Services number on the back of your ID card.
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