Talking About Optometry For Kids

3 Tips For Improving The Success Of Your Diabetic Eye Treatment

12 October 2016

Amelia Dunn

If you are an adult with diabetes, then you are at risk for several vision conditions, the most common of which is diabetic macular edema (DME), which can cause blurred vision and loss of vision. There are several treatments available for adults suffering from DME. The three most popular treatments include the reduction of blood vessels through laser therapy, the injection of growth-inhibiting compounds, and the injection of steroids. Whichever method of treatment you and your optometrist choose, there are a few things you can do to improve the success of your treatment. 

Keep Your Diabetes Under Control 

It is important to realize that DME is not a disease on its own but rather a symptom of your diabetes. DME can affect people with any kind of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. By controlling your diabetes, you will be able to greatly slow the progress of your DME. Regular monitoring of your blood sugar and cholesterol levels will help slow the progress of DME and give your optometrist time to treat your symptoms and improve your vision. 

Get Regular Eye Exams 

Between 40%-45% of Americans with diabetes have some form of retinopathy, which is the precursor to DME. However, only half of these individuals are aware of their retinopathy. By getting regular eye exams, your optometrist will be able to identify your retinopathy before it becomes DME, which will allow you to monitor your condition more closely and opt for less-invasive treatment options if your condition worsens. 

Be Open to Multiple Treatment Options 

The type of treatment that works for you will depend on a variety of factors including the severity of your diabetes, your current lifestyle, and the amount of damage to your eyes when the problem is first detected. While you may prefer a less-aggressive treatment, your optometrist may suggest a variety of treatments in order to see which one works best for you. You may also need laser therapy to reduce your current swelling, followed by injections to prevent future growth. It is important to be open to trying several different therapies in order to treat your condition before the damage becomes more severe. 

If you find that your vision is suffering from your diabetes, you should work closely with both a general practitioner and an optometrist (like one from Northwest Ophthalmology) to find methods for controlling your diabetes to prevent your eyesight from worsening while treating your current symptoms. 

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