Besides being American Diabetes Month, November is also Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month.
Diabetes, or high blood sugar, is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults. It can damage the tiny vessels that supply blood to the retina. This is called retinopathy. Blood or other fluids may leak into your eye, causing you to see things floating in your sight. You could even have sudden vision loss.
If you have diabetes, be sure to follow these four steps for eye health:
- Keep blood glucose as close to normal you can.
- Keep blood pressure in your target range to prevent blood vessel damage.
- Tell your doctor if you have any vision changes.
- Have a dilated eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist every year.
Diabetic eye problems can be treated if caught early!