Diabetic Eye Care Services

Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases. From diabetic retinopathy to cataracts to glaucoma, diabetic patients are more likely to develop an eye disease that can lead to vision loss and blindness. Oftentimes these diseases develop without vision loss or pain, and damage can be done to the eyes by the time a patient notices any symptoms. Let’s take a look at a few things diabetic patients can do to prevent eye diseases:

• Schedule yearly appointments with your eye doctor. Early detection is incredibly important for diabetes patients concerned with the long-term health of their eyes.
• Always control your blood glucose levels.
• Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure is another cause of eye disease, so patients with diabetes need to be especially vigilant and get their blood pressure checked twice a year.
• Maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels.
• Take prescribed medication at recommended dosage
• Eat healthy foods and exercise regularly.
• Do not smoke cigarettes.

By following those helpful tips to living safely with diabetes, patients should be able to limit their risk of developing an eye disease. But, if any of the following symptoms occur, patients should call their eye care professional immediately:

• Blurred vision
• Trouble seeing in dim light
• Black spots in sight lines
• Double vision
• Seeing periodic flashes of light
• Pain in eyes
• Seeing shadows more often than usual
• Partial (or complete) loss of vision in either one or both eyes

Diagnosing and treating the symptoms of eye disease early can prevent vision loss. If you’re a patient with diabetes, schedule an appointment to start protecting your eyes at Northern New Jersey Eye Institute today!