There are anumbers of diseases in which the eyes are at risk of harm.
Diabetes is adisease that has the capability to cause visual problems and even blindness.
Knowing this, your doctor will want to monitor your eyesightregularly.
The way in which diabetes affects the eyes is; that while thepancreas can't produce the insulin required to balance the sugar, this breakdown of sugars and starches affects the flow of blood effectively.
With adecreased flow of blood to the nerves in the eyes, the flow of oxygen isdiminished.
When an organ does not receive adequate oxygen, it begins to killoff nerve endings that are required to sustain the organ's function.
This alsoaffects the eyes.
Depending on the type of diabetes you have your doctorwill want to make every effort to ensure you are taking care of all your vitalorgans and again, this includes your eyes.
The lack of oxygen can cause eyediseases such as retinopathy which causes damage to the retina, or it may causecataracts, or glaucoma.
Diseases such as this may ultimately cause blindness ifleft untreated.
Symptoms may not be immediately obvious, therefore whenyou are diagnosed with diabetes, it is imperative to have them looked at often.
It isn't until the symptoms have gotten so bad many people see their doctor.
Bythe time they are seen, the damage may already be irreversible.
Knowingsome symptoms ahead of time could be of great help.
If you are unsure what towatch for, don't be afraid to ask your doctor or optician.
That's what they arethere for.
Some ways to help prevent your eyes from being affected by diabetes is to: 1.
Have your eyes tested regularly 2.
Do whatis required to keep your sugar balance in check.
If this becomes a problem youshould have it checked and your eyes should be a part of what theycheck.
3.
Good nutrition.
A healthy diet as prescribed by yourpractitioner can help immensely.
Not only in the balance of your sugar, but italso allows for healthy flow of your blood and carries the oxygen required tothe organs effectively.
4.
Exercise.
Doing what you can to keep theblood pumping can help too.
Your practitioner can help you devise a plan thatwill suit you best.
5.
Avoid smoking and alcohol.
These can cause poorcirculation in your blood and minimize the flow of oxygen your organs sodesperately need.
Your body is already dealing with a sugar imbalance problem;don't give it more to fight against.
When should you see your doctor? Ifat any time you have questions or concerns you should see your doctor.
You canask for help if you experience any blurriness, seeing of spots or see lightsflashing, (any abnormal disturbances) and for certain, if at any time you shouldlose the vision of an eye or both, see your physician immediately.
Even if it'sfor a short period of time, this could be a sign you don't want toignore.
With all the things you need to deal with having diabetes,whether type 1 or 2, it's always best to take care of your self and see yourpractitioner often.
The best form of prevention is action.
Don't leave thingsto chance and don't ignore symptoms you are experiencing, even if it seemssilly.
There is simply nothing silly about losing your eyesight.
Takecare of your eyes; they depend on you, as much as you depend onthem.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is designed for educationalpurposes only and should not be used in any other manner.
This information isnot intended to substitute for informed medical advice.
Nor is it a diagnosis ortreatment.