Diabetic Eye Disease Month

Individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of developing serious eye conditions that can really impact their vision. The month of November is dedicated to spreading awareness of those issues, so the doctors here at Michigan Eye Institute have prepared a list of facts that may help diabetics maintain healthy long term eyecare.

Diabetic eye diseases include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), cataract, and even glaucoma. It’s important to remember that these conditions have the potential to cause vision loss and blindness, so early detection is key here. Regular comprehensive eye exams should be scheduled so that the doctor can check the retina for:

• Changes to blood vessels (leaky vessels or other warning signs)
• Swelling of the macula
• Changes in the lens
• Damage to the nerve tissue

Outside of attending regular exams, other ways to control diabetes and therefore control damage to the eye are: taking medications as prescribed, staying physically active, and maintain a healthy diet. High blood sugar levels are what cause damage to blood vessels in the retina, so all of these tips can maintain those at a normal, healthy level.

If you suffer from diabetes and are concerned about your eye sight, please contact your doctors at Michigan Eye Institute by visiting our website or calling us at (810) 732-7313.