How Can Diabetes Impact My Eyesight?

The rise of obesity in the UK has been making news headlines recently in regards to weight loss surgery and how it can now be considered a safe and cost effective solution to tackle diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

However it has been reported in Medical News Today that many patients already suffering with diabetes are not aware of the potentially blinding eye diseases related to the condition such as Diabetic Retinopathy.

Diabetic Retinopathy is a common complication caused by high blood sugar which can weaken and damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina or optic nerve causing specks or spots float in your vision. If left untreated, this can cause loss of vision and even blindness.

LaserVision want to help spread awareness of the need for regular eye exams especially for people with diabetes to keep track of any developments and make an early diagnosis if needed. Eye exams also test for glaucoma, which is a greater risk to those with diabetes.

Here are some top tips from our friends at Get Eye Smart to help prevent and reduce the risk eye diseases developing:

• Attend a thorough eye exam at least once a year as the early stages of diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms.
• Control your blood sugar and high levels can actually change the shape of your lens which could damage blood vessels.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet to help keep high cholesterol and blood pressure at bay.
• Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk of developing eye diseases.

If you are concerned about Diabetes, visit our Private GP service