How to avoid vision problems from diabetes, which 13.6% of Kentuckians have, 7th in U.S.; 33.8% more have pre-diabetes

Diabetes can cause blindness. (smirart/iStock/Getty Images)

By Joseph Brown

University of Kentucky

Diabetes is a disease so prevalent in the U.S. that it is considered to be an epidemic. In Kentucky, according to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 13.6% of the adult population has diagnosed diabetes, seventh in the nation.

Another 33.8% of Kentuckians have been diagnosed as having pre-diabetes. Diabetes can result in devastating consequences financially and physically for the families and those who have it.

With a diabetes diagnosis, you must be aware of the risk factors you face. One of these risk factors is that you can develop a serious eye condition called diabetic retinopathy. It causes vision loss and blindness in those who have diabetes by causing issues with the blood vessels connected to the retina.

If you have diabetes, it is important to get an eye exam once a year, since you may not notice any symptoms in early stages. Catching this condition early on will be the best course of action in preventing vision loss.

What are the symptoms?

• Changes in vision such as trouble reading or blurred vision
• Fluctuating vision
• Spots or dark streaks floating in your vision
• Dark or empty areas in your vision
• Eye pain or redness
• Difficulty seeing in the dark

What can I do to prevent diabetic retinopathy? The best course of action is managing your diabetes with a healthy diet, regular exercise and following your doctor’s instructions with medications. You should also ensure you get a regular eye screening, and monitor your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure at all times.

What kind of treatment is available? If caught early, your doctor will likely recommend more regular eye exams. However, in the later stages, there are a variety of treatments available to stop your vision from worsening, such as injections, laser treatment or eye surgery. Overall, it is important to see your doctor with any concerns you may have to find the right course of action for you.