Almost 10% of Canadians suffer from diabetes, but the condition impacts more than just glucose and insulin levels in the blood. Diabetes can also affect your vision. Regularly scheduled diabetic eye exams are crucial to early detection of conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma or even cataracts. However, it is also vital that diabetics are aware of common symptoms and signs that they may be experiencing a diabetic eye emergency. Accurate recognition can help lead to swift response times, which is crucial for minimizing the impact on your eyes.
Dr. Brian Abrams is a trusted optometrist in Vaughan that offers specialized eye exams for those who suffer from diabetes. Contact us today to book an appointment.
Understanding Diabetic Eye Conditions
Diabetes often results in high blood glucose levels, as individuals with this condition are unable to effectively use glucose for energy. High blood sugar can have adverse impacts on blood vessels in the eye, damaging various structures within it.
Some common conditions include the following:
- Diabetic Retinopathy: This condition is known to be the leading cause of blindness in adults. This occurs when there is damage to the blood vessels in the retina, resulting in leaking or the growth of abnormal blood vessels. This can lead to vision changes and potential blindness.
- Cataracts: Diabetics are at an increased risk of developing cataracts, which is the clouding of the eye’s lens. This can develop quickly in people with diabetes.
- Glaucoma: Neovascular Glaucoma is caused by diabetes and occurs when high sugar levels damage blood vessels in the eye. This causes increased pressure in the eye, which can damage the optic nerve.
- Diabetic Macular Edema: Swelling in the macula due to fluid leakage, affecting central vision and clarity.
Signs of an Emergency
When living with diabetes, it is essential that you take new and unusual changes to your vision seriously, as not seeking help promptly can cause serious complications. Some signs of a diabetic eye emergency include:
- Sudden Vision Changes: Significant changes to your vision can be an emergency. Seek help if you experience blurry vision, double vision, or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Floaters or Spots: If you experience new floaters or an increase in the size and volume of floaters, contact your doctor. Any vision spots also dictate an emergency.
- Flashes of Light: Sudden flashes of light in your vision can signal retinal issues.
- Eye Pain or Discomfort: Unexplained pain in or around the eye could be a sign of a severe issue.
- Changes in Color Vision: Difficulty distinguishing colours or changes in colour perception warrant a visit to the emergency room.
Manage Diabetic Eye Emergencies with Dr. Brain Abrams
Overall, knowing the signs of a diabetic eye emergency can help diabetics seek help promptly. Diabetics are at an increased risk of developing a variety of eye conditions due to their increased blood sugar levels, so extra caution should be taken when they notice any vision changes. Regular diabetic eye exams can help these individuals catch signs of any eye conditions early and allow them to receive treatment for said issues.
Visit Dr. Brian Abrams, an expert optometrist in Vaughan, to book an eye exam today!
