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November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Managing Your Vision While Managing Your Diabetes

If you’re one of the more than 34 million Americans with diabetes, you know how important it is to take good care of yourself—monitoring your blood sugar, watching your diet, taking your medication and exercising. But if you haven’t yet added an annual eye exam to your routine, you should.

Diabetics are at greater risk for eye problems. However, proper eye care can lead to the early detection and early treatment of vision-related complications, including:

  • Glaucoma- This occurs when increased fluid pressure in the eyes damages the nerve fibers in the optic nerve. While glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss, its progression can be slowed if it’s detected and treated early.
  • Cataracts- A cataract clouds the eye’s lens, which blocks the passage of light. The condition is typically associated with aging, but diabetes makes you 2 to 5 times more likely to develop cataracts, and more likely to develop them at a younger age.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy- The leading cause of blindness among adults, retinopathy is the most common eye complication in diabetic patients, affecting an estimated 75% of people with type 1 diabetes and 50% of people with type 2 diabetes.

Annual, comprehensive eye exams should be an important part of your diabetic care. These exams can help detect changes in your vision early on, enabling prompt referral and treatment that can lessen the risk of vision loss. In addition, be sure to see your eye care provider if you notice any of the following changes to your vision:    

  • Blurry, double or cloudy vision
  • Pain or pressure in one or both eyes
  • Trouble with peripheral vision
  • Floating or flashing lights
  • Dark spots

Living with diabetes means looking out for your health. When you take care of yourself, you can look forward to better disease management and minimizing vision complications.

For information about eye health and diabetes, visit here.

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Useful links:

  1. Eye Site On Wellness: Are You At Risk For Diabetic Retinopathy?
  2. Eye Site On Wellness: 5 Ways To Use Your Vision Benefits Before They Expire
  3. Diabetes Risk Factors - Connect Community - BCBSIL
  4. Treat Yourself Right: Stay on Top of Your Diabetes Care - Connect Community - BCBSIL
  5. Busting Myths About Diabetes - Connect Community - BCBSIL
  6. Diabetes Management & Care: Plans & Programs from Aetna