Thursday, July 16, 2015

Why Visiting the Ophthalmologist is Important When Living With Diabetes

Diabetes can affect more than just blood sugar. In some patients, it can also cause diabetic retinopathy, which affects vision by damaging the small vessels located at the back of the eye. Glaucoma and cataracts are also a danger. That is why it is so important that patients with diabetes have their eyes checked by an ophthalmologist.

To protect eyes from the damaging effects of diabetic retinopathy, regular appointments with an ophthalmologist are necessary. These special doctors are trained to diagnose and treat all eye ailments. They are both medical doctors and surgeons. A general physician will not do extensive tests to catch these conditions.

Routine checks should include dilation of the eye, making it possible to see the back of the eyeball where the blood vessels are located. Not only will the doctor be able to tell if there is damage, but he or she can also check for other diseases that may be caused by diabetes.

Those who keep their blood sugar levels close to normal and routinely have their eyes checked by a licensed ophthalmologist are less likely to have complications. 

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