•Dr Priscilia Imade
This month of November, we focused our discussions on how diabetes affects the eyes. We will do a short recap and answer some of the questions that came up during these engagements.
Remember that you are always encouraged to pay special attention to how diabetes affects your eyes. When your blood sugar stays high for a long time, it slowly damages the tiny blood vessels at the back of your eye. This can lead to blurred vision, floaters, eye pain and even blindness if not discovered early.
You may feel fine, yet changes may already be happening in your eyes without symptoms. That is why you must take your eye checkups seriously because early detection can save your sight. Your vision matters and it is your duty to protect it.
SOME QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON DIABETES AND THE EYES
1. Can diabetes affect your eyes even if you see well now?
Yes. Eye damage can start silently, long before your vision becomes blurry.
2. What is diabetic retinopathy?
It is damage to the blood vessels in your retina caused by high blood sugar.
3. Does high blood pressure worsen diabetic eye disease?
Yes. High blood pressure increases the speed and severity of vision loss in diabetics.
4. Can diabetes cause glaucoma?
Yes. Diabetes doubles your risk of developing glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve.
5. Can diabetes lead to cataracts?
Yes. Cataracts often develop earlier and faster in people with diabetes.
6. How often should you check your eyes if you have diabetes?
At least once every year, or more frequently if your optometrist or Opthalmologist recommends.
7. Does good sugar control protect your vision?
Yes. Maintaining stable blood sugar can significantly delay eye damage.
8. Should you see an eye doctor even if you use glasses already?
Yes. Glasses correct vision, but they do not detect diabetic changes.
9. Can diabetic retinopathy be treated?
Yes. But only with early and timely intervention. Using lasers, injections or surgery in many patients retain good vision.
10. What symptoms require urgent eye care?
Sudden blurred vision, floaters, flashes of light, eye pain, or sudden loss of sight.
Please do not wait for symptoms, all diabetics must do corresponding eye examinations with or without symptoms.
FINAL WARNING:
Diabetes is rising fast in Nigeria and many people are already losing vision without knowing it. Do not wait until you notice symptoms.
Before this year ends, make sure you go for a full dilated eye examination. Your sight is too precious to risk.
See you next week.
*Dr Priscilia Imade is CEO, Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. E-mail: moderneyecliniclagos@gmail.com
Another edition of the column returns on Monday in The Frontier.
