November is the month of creating awareness around diabetic eye disease. There are different types of eye diseases and risk factors associated with diabetes. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. High blood sugar levels from diabetes damage the retina, stimulating conditions like diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular oedema, cataract and glaucoma.
Suffering from a chronic condition like diabetes can damage different parts of the body, including the eyes. Due to high blood sugar levels, the retina gets damaged, which is solely responsible for our gift of sight. Increased pressure in the eye can cause glaucoma and sometimes the section of your eye clouds the lens, which helps focus light on the retina, causing cataracts. These medical conditions can be triggered and caused by diabetes.
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Medical studies show that a majority of people are not aware of these serious implications of diabetes and the increased risk of eye problems. Although the good news is that these conditions can be managed and prevented by maintaining blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Taking the necessary steps, spreading awareness and going for monthly comprehensive eye check-ups can help limit the harmful impacts of diabetes.
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Awareness regarding diabetic eye diseases will encourage people to maintain a healthy lifestyle and seek immediate medical evaluation by an ophthalmologist. In cases of diabetic retinopathy, laser surgery can be used to treat the early onset of the disease. Another measure could be protecting one’s eyes from harmful radiations. Blurred vision can be a minor problem with a quick fix, such as eye drops or a new prescription for your eyeglasses.
Women with diabetes should undergo a comprehensive eye examination before pregnancy. During the Diabetes Awareness Month in November, several healthcare units plan to focus more on increasing access to eye care and creating awareness around the same. Diabetes, both Type 1 and 2, if not treated or controlled can damage your kidney, eyes, nerves and other organs as well. While it can start with mild vision problems, patients can eventually lose their eyesight. Therefore, this November, let’s pledge our allegiance to spread awareness and not ignore the blurry vision or other vision changes, which can harm the eyes.
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