Diabetes is on the rise here in Central Florida, and with it comes a greater risk of cataracts, blurry vision, retinopathy, and glaucoma. In fact, in adults ages 20 to 74, diabetes is the main cause of blindness.

Blurry Vision

High blood sugar levels can cause the lens in the eye to swell, causing things to look blurry. Clouding the lens and vision becomes impaired.

Cataracts

Studies show those with diabetes develop cataracts earlier and faster.

Diabetic Retinopathy

“Chronically high blood sugar from diabetes is associated with damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy. The retina detects light and converts it to signals sent through the optic nerve to the brain. Diabetic retinopathy can cause blood vessels in the retina to leak fluid or hemorrhage (bleed), distorting vision. In its most advanced stage, new abnormal blood vessels proliferate (increase in number) on the surface of the retina, which can lead to scarring and cell loss in the retina,” according to the National Eye Institute.

Glaucoma

Those with diabetes are 40 percent more likely to develop Glaucoma than who don’t have diabetes. Typically, people who suffer from Glaucoma experience symptoms such as, headaches, blurred vision, eye pain, watery eyes, halos around lights, and vision loss. Pressure builds up and puts pressure on the blood vessels going to the retina and optic nerve. The damage gradually causes vision loss.

Retinopathy;

“In its early stages, has no symptoms. The disease begins to damage the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensing layer of tissue in the back of the eye, causing them to leak fluid and blood. As the disease progresses, blood vessels become blocked and rupture or new vessels grow on the retina, leading to permanent and sometimes profound vision loss,” stated by the National Eye Institute

Eye Exams are Very Important!

Yearly eye exams can find any problems early, when they are easier to treat and even save your vision.

Vision is a vital part of our everyday life, don’t take it for granted. Lake Nona Eye Care offers affordable eye exams, as well as contact lenses and glasses all at a great price!