Eye Care for People with Diabetes

The Need for Eye Care for Diabetic Patients

There is a direct link between high sugar levels in the blood and impaired vision. People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma. However, by taking precautionary measures, one can prevent damage to the eyes.

Nowadays, vision correction and eye problems are treated with advanced laser surgery. However, getting quality treatment at private healthcare centers could be expensive. The cost burden can be greatly minimized with Diabetes Insurance plans that offer specific coverage for treatment of health conditions related to diabetes.

The aim of every diabetic patient should be to ensure discipline in life when it comes to taking care of health, especially the eyes.

Let us explain why eye care is important when one is suffering from diabetes.

Diabetes causes blurred vision

Blurred vision is among the initial warning signals of diabetes. This happens because of a leaking fluid flowing into the eye lens, thereby causing swelling and change in the shape of the lens. Thus, the person may have difficulty in focusing on objects and everything starts to appear as blurred. Other problems a person could face include tiny spots across your vision or night vision problems.

There are various types of eye diseases that result in vision impairment. They are:

Glaucoma

A condition where the optic nerve, which transfers information from the brain to the eyes, gets damaged. Mostly, it is caused due to unusually high pressure inside eyes leading to vision loss. A person with Glaucoma may show symptoms such as:

• Pain in the eyes
• Redness of eyes
• Vision disturbance
• Seeing halos around lights
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetes also causes retinal disorders where changes occur in blood vessels of the retina in the eyes. Sometimes, these blood vessels swell and fluid leaks into the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness. Some common symptoms are:

• Changes in vision
• Eyespots
• Double vision
• Pain in the eyes

Diabetes Cataracts

This is another eye-related complication caused by diabetes with a dense and cloudy formation occurring in the eye lens. Cataracts have the symptoms:

• Blurry vision
• Double vision
• Eyespots
• Sensitivity to light
• Yellowing of vision
• Halos around lights

Steps to Prevent Eye Diseases

• Go for eye check-up: Those suffering from diabetes should make it a habit to schedule regular medical check-ups and go to an ophthalmologist for eye examinations. When it comes to an eye check-up, getting the eyes dilated is important to detect chronic conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related degeneration, high blood pressure, etc.
• Maintain blood pressure: High level of blood pressure or cholesterol puts one at an increased risk of eye related disorders. Hence, it is essential to control blood pressure for the sake of eye health by taking suitable health measures.
• Stay Fit: Following an exercise regime is beneficial for overall health especially for the eyes. It would help in controlling the harmful effects of diabetes and thereby prevent eye diseases.
• Monitor Blood Sugar: Persons with diabetes should check their blood sugar on a daily basis. By monitoring sugar levels, they would know if the blood sugar is high and then take suitable medication to control it, thus preventing damage to the eyes.

>>Check: Diabetes Management

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Early detection and treatment are a must when it comes to preventing the damaging effects on the eyes caused by diabetes. A blurred vision could be an indication of a serious underlying medical condition or an eye disease. Immediate medical attention is required in such cases.

Minimize your medical expenses without worry by selecting ‘Care Freedom’ which is a specially designed diabetes insurance policy by Care Health Insurance.

Disclaimer: Underwriting of claims for diabetes subject to policy terms and conditions.