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Eye Care
Blood
vessels in the eyes may show effects of diabetes. Your physician will
probably examine your eyes during most routine visits to check for
subtle changes. Additionally, to preserve your vision there are several
things you can remember to do:
• Have your eyes and vision checked periodically by an ophthalmologist.
If you wear glasses, be sure your prescription is up to date.
• If you notice that your vision is blurred or changed markedly, consult
your physician, as diabetes control changes as well as other conditions
can be treated early.
• When you have your eyes checked regularly by an ophthalmologist, be
sure to make known the fact that you have diabetes. If there are signs
of diabetic changes, your ophthalmologist or retinal specialist may
advise a test known as an angiogram. With this test a dye is injected
into your arm, and pictures are taken of your eyes to indicate blood
vessel changes. Early treatment of these vascular changes with laser or
other techniques has been extremely important in prevention progressive
eye changes that occur in longtime diabetics.
• Wear protective eyewear while manipulating machinery that may cause
flying particles. Wear sunglasses while outdoors in bright sunlight.
• Don't rub your eyes unnecessarily. If you have to touch your face to
shave, apply makeup, or remove foreign objects from your eye, be sure
your hands are clean.
• Avoid straining your eyes. Try to maintain adequate lighting when
reading, writing, or working. Get enough sleep.
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