Diabetes is a chronic disease associated with high blood sugar.
This can occur early in age from a lack of insulin production
by the pancreas or later in life due to a change in sugar
metabolism from resistance to insulin. Either way, high sugar
levels circulating in the blood stream over time corrodes
this inside of blood vessels. As a result the blood vessels
get damaged and in turn the function of the organ containing
these vessels is compromised. The eyes, along with the kidneys,
heart and nerves, contain the highest concentration of blood
vessels in the human body and thus become injured over time.
In the eye in particular, injured blood vessels lead to bleeding,
swelling and irregular blood vessel regeneration. All of these
lead to decreased vision over time.
Diabetes, resulting in retinopathy or injury to the retina
in the eye, is the most common cause of blindness in individuals
under the age of 65 years in the USA. The duration of diabetes
is the most important single risk factor with a 90% prevalence
of diabetic retinopathy in those with the disease more than fifteen
years. Strict control of blood sugar is the best way to avoid
or diminish the possible side effects of diabetes. Early detection
of diabetic retinopathy, and treatment when indicated, is currently
the best hope of preserving vision.
Annual eye exams are recommended for patients with diabetes
to ensure the health of their vision.
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