Diabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are too high. The medical condition affects multiple organs of your body and your eyes are no exception. The high blood glucose levels make the lens of the eyes swell, thus affecting the vision. If you or any of your family members are diabetic, here are some questions you should ask your eye specialists:
Question 1: Which eye problem is most associated with diabetes?
Anyone with type 1, type 2, or even gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant) is at the risk of developing:
● Diabetic retinopathy
● Cataracts
● Macular edema
● Glaucoma
These eye problems are also called diabetic eye disease, an umbrella term used for a group of diabetes-related diseases that affect your vision.
Question 2: How long does it take for diabetes to damage eyes?
Well, how quickly or slowly diabetes affects the eyes varies from one person to another. It usually takes between 5 to 10 years to develop a diabetic eye disease. The more uncontrolled the diabetes is, the faster the damage will be.
Question 3: What are the warning signs of diabetic retinopathy?
The warning signs of diabetic retinopathy include:
● Spots or dark strings floating in your vision
● Fluctuating vision
● Blurred vision
● Dark or empty areas in your vision
Diabetes in general can cause blurry vision.
Question 4: How often should I get an eye exam?
Even if you see a diabetologist regularly, it is important to get an eye exam at least once a year. If diabetes is not under control, you may have to see your eye specialist more frequently. If you are 60 or above, it is better to get your eyes examined twice every year.
Question 5: Can I get laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery is considered safe if you are diabetic as long as the blood sugar levels are under control and the condition has not yet affected the eyes. Your eye ophthalmologist is the best person to tell you whether you can undergo laser eye surgery or not.
Question 6: Can diabetics have eye surgery?
Yes, you can undergo eye surgery, if required. However, it depends on the eye condition that you are suffering from and any other medical condition that you may have. In certain cases, you may have to wait until your sugar levels are under control.
Question 7: Before eye surgery, is it necessary to keep my sugar levels under control?
Yes, it is important to keep your sugar levels under control. High sugar levels increase the risk of:
● Infection
● Slow healing
● Heart problems
Your eye specialist and diabetologist can suggest an appropriate course of treatment to control diabetes.
Question 8: Before eye surgery, is there any need to fast?
Whether you have diabetes or not, before any eye surgery, you will need to fast for about 12 hours.
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Question 9: Before eye surgery, do I need to stop taking medicines for diabetes?
If you take medicines for diabetes, talk to an eye specialist about stopping it. Generally, it should be stopped 48 hours before and 48 hours after surgery to reduce complications. Do tell your eye specialist about all the medications, including supplements, that you are taking. The eye specialist will tell you which one to continue and which one to stop.
Question 10: How do I prepare for eye surgery if I have diabetes?
One of the best ways to prepare for eye surgery is to simply follow your eye specialist’s instructions. Remember, the outcomes of the eye surgery will be better if your sugar levels are under control.
Looking for an eye specialist in Barrackpore?
As a leading eye hospital in West Bengal, we have branches all over the state including Barrackpore. We have some of the best eye specialists in Barrackpore on board. Our doctors have extensive clinical and surgical expertise. If you are experiencing any eye-related problems, visit the nearest branch or book an online consultation.