BE WISE WITH YOUR EYES

It is known that the eye is a window to health.

- 

Many eye diseases are detected by eye examinations. Diabetes related eye diseases are among the most important complications of Diabetes. Untreated, they may cause blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is the most typical Diabetes-related eye problems. The retina is a screen situated behind the eye ball, where images of the world are projected - and we see these images as processed by our brain. Damage to the retina occurs in Diabetes - both because of fat droplets attaching to them, as well as by thinning of vessels and bleeding that occurs in the retina.

Early signs of damage to the retina may be picked up by a focused examination by a trained ophthalmologist. In addition to retinal disease, people with Diabetes may also have cataract, glaucoma as well as blockage of blood vessels that supply blood to the eye. These problems are easily diagnosed and treated. Dangerous, vision-threatening forms of retinopathy can be halted in its tracks by a simple laser procedure. In addition, cataract surgery after good glucose control can achieve excellent results.

Regular eye checkup is one of the holy commandments for people with Diabetes. However, the eye checkup in most cases hardly goes beyond reading a chart on the wall. Unchecked Diabetes could lead to diabetic retinopathy which may lead to blindness. Hence it is necessary to also examine the retina from time to time by dilating the pupils.

People with Diabetes are also at a higher risk for cataract and they tend to get it at an earlier age than non-diabetics. Regular checkups and early detection are the best defence against these and any other eye complications from Diabetes.