Diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2, is a complex disease that affects how your body uses glucose, the main type of sugar in your blood. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin, or can't use its own insulin as well as it should. This causes sugars to build up in your blood. This high blood sugar can damage many parts of the body, such as the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, and the small blood vessels in your eyes.

The Connection Between Diabetes and Your Vision

You may wonder, "what exactly is the connection between diabetes and your vision?" Well, it's all about blood sugar. When blood sugar levels become too high, they can damage blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems. This is why diabetics are at a higher risk of developing certain eye conditions, like diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This can lead to bleeding in the eye, blurred vision, and complete loss of vision.

Another common complication is cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens that can make it hard for light to pass through, causing blurry vision. People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age and the condition progresses more rapidly in diabetic patients than in those without the disease.

The Importance of Regular Eye Check-ups for Diabetes Patients

Regular eye check-ups are a crucial part of managing diabetes. These check-ups can detect the early stages of eye disease before you notice any vision problems. Eye doctors can also monitor the progression of eye disease and adjust your treatment as necessary.

The Role of Blood Sugar Control in Maintaining Vision Health

Controlling blood sugar levels is key to maintaining good vision health when you have diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy. This can cause vision loss if left untreated.

Keeping your blood sugar levels in check can delay the onset and slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy. It can also help prevent other eye complications, like cataracts and glaucoma. 

Take Proactive Measures to Protect Your Eye Health Today

Understanding the connection between diabetes and your vision is the first step towards protecting your eye health. As a diabetic, it's important to take proactive steps to manage your blood sugar levels, schedule regular eye check-ups, and stay vigilant for signs of vision problems.

To learn more on the connection between diabetes and your vision, visit Ishigo Optometry at our office in Gardena, California. Call (888) 564-0016 to schedule an appointment today.