For Your Eyes
Early detection and treatment of eye problems can save your
sight.
Even the very best control may not be able to eliminate all
complications, and the risk of increases with the length of
time you have diabetes. Diabetes complications of eyes have
treatments that often work well if you begin them right away.
When to visit your opthalmologist
If you are between 10 and 29 years old and have had diabetes
for at least 5 years, you should have an annual dilated eye
exam.
If you are 30 or older, you should have an annual dilated
eye exam, no matter how short a time you have had diabetes.
If you have any pr-existing eye disease.
In case of any vision changes.
Pregnant women or those planning to get pregnant should have
a dilated eye exam.
The treatment guide
Glaucoma
There are several treatments for glaucoma. Some use drugs
to reduce pressure in the eye, while others involve surgery
to decompress the anterior chamber.
Cataracts
Both metabolic as well as senile types of cataracts are treated
by surgical removal of the lens. Eyeglasses, contact lenses,
or intraocular lens implants restore vision following surgery.
To minimize the risk of cataracts, see your ophthalmologist
for a complete eye exam at least once a year.
Retinopathy
Treatments such as scatter photocoagulation, focal photocoagulation,
and vitrectomy prevent blindness in most people. The sooner
retinopathy is diagnosed, the more likely these treatments
will be successful.
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