HealthyLife Articles

Tag: eye health

  • Diabetes-Related Vision Loss Increasing

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of older women with thumbs up at an eye doctor appointment.

    More than 30 million Americans live with diabetes today. Living a healthy life with diabetes is possible, but it is a serious disease that requires proper medical care.

    Diabetic retinopathy is a possible complication of diabetes. It is caused by damage in the blood vessels of the eye’s retina. It is also a leading cause of vision loss and blindness.

    Diabetic retinopathy rates are rapidly increasing, according to the National Eye Institute. From 2000 to 2010, diabetic retinopathy cases increased 89 percent from 4.06 million to 7.69 million. And, that number is expected to nearly double by the year 2050.

    Keeping eyes healthy

    If you have diabetes, there are ways to lead a healthy life and avoid problems like diabetic retinopathy. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease recommends:

    *Keep blood glucose (blood sugar) levels under control.High blood glucose damages the blood vessels on the retina over time. The blood vessels may become blocked, cutting off blood supply to the retina. Work with your doctor to set a target blood glucose number. Get clear instruction from your medical team on how you can meet your goal. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and certain diabetes medicines may be needed.

    *Track your blood pressure.Many people associate blood pressure with heart disease, but it matters for diabetes too. Long-term high blood pressure also harms your retina’s blood vessels. Be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Ask your doctor how often it should be checked. If you need blood pressure medicine, take it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

    Early signs of eye problems

    Diabetic retinopathy may not have any early signs or symptoms. That’s why it’s important to keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control, even if you feel fine.

    If you notice any of the following problems, see your doctor:

    *  Double vision

    *  Blurry vision

    *  Seeing rings, flashes or spots

    *  Eye pain or a feeling of pressure in the eye

    *  Trouble seeing out of the corner of your eye

    You can take steps to manage diabetes. Talk to your doctor, nutritionist, and medical team about keeping your eyes – and your entire body – as healthy  as possible.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Importance Of Proper Eye Care

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of older women getting her eyes check by an eye doctor.

    Many people don’t think about their eyes until they start to hurt or develop a problem. But even if your eyes feel fine, they need proper care to keep them healthy. Follow the advice of the National Eye Institute:

    Get regular eye exams.

    Your doctor can recommend a schedule for you, depending on your age and other health factors. Many common eye diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration, don’t have obvious symptoms. An eye exam can find these problems early, when they’re most treatable.

    Eat a healthy diet.

    Your eyes benefit from a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids. Talk with your doctor about the right diet for you.

    Keep them shaded.

    Wear sunglasses that have at least 99 percent UVA and UVB protection when you’re outside.

    Don’t smoke.

    Smoking hurts your health in many ways, including your sight. It increases your risk of eye problems that can lead to blindness. It’s never too late to quit. For free resources to help you quit, visitsmokefree.gov.

    Protect your eyes.

    Cover your face and eyes with goggles or a full-face mask when playing sports or doing work. Wear safety goggles when working with power tools and sharp objects. Follow your employer’s guidelines for wearing eye protection. Encourage your coworkers to do the same.

    Know your family history.

    If there are eye problems in your family, tell your doctor.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine