Regular eye exams can prevent vision loss in diabetics
By DR. KOMOROFF Universal Uclick on Sep 6, 2013, at 2:21 AM Updated on 9/06/13 at 4:56 AM
Dr. K
Dear Doctor K: I have hypertension. Should I be monitoring my blood pressure at home?
Dear Doctor K: After my last mammogram, the doctor told me I have dense breasts. Does this increase my risk of cancer?
Dear Doctor K: Could you explain how diabetes affects vision?
Dear Reader: The high blood sugar levels that occur in people with diabetes can have serious consequences throughout the body, including the eyes.
People with diabetes are at greater risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma. But if you develop either of these two conditions, fortunately there are effective treatments. These days, no person with diabetes should go blind from cataracts or glaucoma.
However, a third eye problem - diabetic retinopathy - is more likely to cause severe vision loss or blindness. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when abnormal blood sugar levels damage small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensing area in the back of your eyes. The retina sends visual images to the brain.
Diabetic retinopathy begins when the walls of small blood vessels in the retina weaken. They leak fluid into the surrounding tissue, often leaving protein and fat deposits in the retina. The vessel walls also develop tiny bulges or balloons called "microaneurysms" that leak red blood cells into the retina.
As the condition progresses, the abnormal vessels begin to close, robbing the retina of its blood supply. Nerve fibers in the retina that are necessary for vision begin to die from poor circulation and lack of oxygen.
These changes may not alter your vision. But if fluid leaks into the center of the macula - the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision - your sight will be impaired. Swelling of the macula is called macular edema.
As retinopathy advances, the damaged retina tries to repair itself by sprouting new blood vessels. However, these new vessels are very fragile and don't grow normally; they tend to leak blood and break apart. This can cause a sudden loss of vision.
Regular vision testing is vital. Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.
Write Dr. K at
www.AskDoctorK.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106
Dr. K
Dear Doctor K: I have hypertension. Should I be monitoring my blood pressure at home?
Dear Doctor K: After my last mammogram, the doctor told me I have dense breasts. Does this increase my risk of cancer?
