Iowa Eye Center ophthalmologist Dr. Hall talks about the effects of diabetes on your eyes (1 of 2).
Iowa Eye Center ophthalmologist Dr. Hall talks about the effects of diabetes on your eyes (2 of 2).
Diabetes results from the body’s inability to produce enough insulin, a hormone that removes sugar from the blood and helps convert it to energy. Over time, too much sugar in your blood can damage many bodily functions, including eyesight. The most common form is adult onset diabetes, typically occurring in people over 40 who lead sedentary lifestyles. More than 16 million people in the United States have diabetes, putting them at risk for diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases.
Diabetes and eye health
People with diabetes have a much higher risk of developing eye diseases, such as:
- Diabetic Retinopathy – damages blood vessels in the retina, can cause blindness
- Cataracts – cloudy lens, blurred vision (diabetics are twice as likely to have cataracts)
- Glaucoma – optic nerve disease, impairs peripheral vision, can lead to tunnel vision (diabetics may be twice as likely to develop glaucoma)
Regular eye exams matter
Early detection and treatment can save vision. As important as routine eye exams are for all our patients, they are even more important if you have diabetes. If you do have diabetes, please call us for an appointment as soon as you can at (319) 362-3937. Early detection of eye disease can help you prevent further damage and protect your sight.
Superior eye care treatment
Our ophthalmologists offer advanced surgical procedures, laser treatments and many other treatment options. We have the technology and experience to treat numerous eye diseases, including those caused by diabetes. If your eyes are healthy, we can give you that reassurance too. Call us today at (319) 362-3937.
