There are nearly 40 million people who have diabetes in the United States, according to the CDC’s diabetes statistics for 2023. While a range of health concerns are associated with the disease, one many people are less aware of is sight degeneration. Diabetes can lead to a range of eye complications, such as cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. At the Holtebeck Eye Center in Brookfield, we understand the importance of eye care for people with diabetes and offer efficient and modern eye care services to address diabetes complications.
What is Diabetes?
Before we dive into the importance of eye care for people with diabetes, let’s briefly discuss what diabetes is. Diabetes is a disease that negatively affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose). With diabetes, your body either does not produce enough insulin and/or does not effectively utilize insulin to move glucose from the bloodstream to your cells, where it can be used for energy. If not properly managed, diabetes can lead to various health complications, including eye problems.
Beneficial Eye Care For People with Diabetes
As mentioned earlier, diabetes can lead to several eye complications. These are some of the most common eye problems that people with diabetes can experience:
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Occurring when blood sugar levels are too high, this condition can damage the smallest blood vessels in the retina. Over time, this can cause the blood vessels to leak or become blocked, leading to vision loss.
- Cataracts: Cataracts occur when the eye lens becomes cloudy, which can cause blurred vision. People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing cataracts at a younger age than those without diabetes.
- Glaucoma: This term refers to a group of eye conditions that threaten the optic nerve. If left untreated, glaucoma conditions can lead to vision loss.
The Holtebeck Eye Center offers various eye care services to address diabetes complications. Our team, led by Dr. Aaron Holtebeck, has the latest technology and expertise to diagnose and treat these conditions. We use advanced imaging techniques to monitor changes in the retina and offer treatments such as laser therapy and injections to prevent vision loss.
Preventing Eye Problems
While we offer efficient and modern eye care services, we also believe in the importance of preventative care. Here are some tips for preventing eye problems if you have diabetes:
- Manage Your Blood Sugar: Keeping your blood sugar levels under control is one of the most important things you can do to prevent eye problems. Work with your healthcare team to develop a plan to manage your blood sugar levels.
- Get Regular Eye Exams: Regular eye exams are essential for detecting and treating eye problems early. People with diabetes should schedule a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, according to the American Diabetes Association’s recommendations.
- Control Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: High blood pressure and high cholesterol can also increase your risk of eye problems. Work with your healthcare team to manage these conditions.
Choose the Holtebeck Eye Center for Your Diabetic Eye Care
Eye care for people with diabetes is critical. At the Holtebeck Eye Center in Brookfield, we offer efficient and modern eye care services to address diabetes complications. Dr. Holtebeck and the rest of our team are dedicated to providing eye care to ensure our patients receive the best possible outcomes. If you have diabetes, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with us today. Let us help you protect your vision and maintain your quality of life.