Diabetes & its “unholy” agenda for eyes

Diabetes continues to torment many people and as most of us are aware it leaves no part of the body free.

Yes, diabetes causes eye problems as well and may lead to blindness. If you have diabetes, your risk of blindness is higher than someone who does not have the disease but the majority of people with diabetes have nothing more than minor eye disorders.

If you have regular checkups and work together with your healthcare team, you can keep minor eye problems minor. Should you develop a major problem it is important to get treatment immediately.

Diabetes has been noted to cause some of the following eye changes:

• Diabetic Retinopathy

• Glaucoma

• Cataract

• Causes changes in near sightedness

• Causes changes in farsightedness

• Premature presbyopia (the inability to focus on close objects with age)

• Strabismus (a lack of eye alignment)

• Decreased corneal sensitivity.

Some symptoms that may be associated with eye conditions caused by diabetes (other conditions may also cause) are;

• Fluctuating or blurring of vision

• Occasional double vision

• Night vision problems

• Flashes and floaters within the eye.

A NOTE ON DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

It occurs when there is a weakening or swelling of the tiny blood vessels in the retina of the eye, resulting in blood leakage, the growth of new blood vessels and other changes. If left untreated, blindness can occur.

To prevent diabetic retinopathy, it is important to control one’s blood sugar, and have frequent (at least once a year) eye examinations to diagnose and manage early changes. Once damage has occurred the effects are usually permanent.

Treatment of diabetic retinopathy may require laser treatment or in advanced cases surgery.

Risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy include poor diabetes control, smoking, high blood pressure and pregnancy.

PREVENTION OF COMPLICATIONS

• Ensure that you monitor your blood sugar and maintain control at all times.

• Take your diet, exercise and medication seriously

• Make sure you are thoroughly examined by an eye specialist at least once a year.

We have what it takes to protect our eyes – TAKE CONTROL!

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel

St. Andrews Clinic/Health Essentials Ltd

(www.healthclubsgh.com)

Dr. Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy and fitness nutrition.

Thought for the week – “HAVE YOU HAD A THOROUGH MEDICAL EXAMINATION THIS YEAR? Call St Andrews Clinic on 0302-761-188 to schedule an appointment or send an email to clinicstandrews@yahoo.co.uk.”-

References:

• www.aoa.org (American optometric association)

• American Diabetes Association website (Eye Complications)