Diabetes can affect just about every part of your body. What could be more important 
than your eyes? Well, maybe a few things, like your heart and lungs, but can you imagine what your life would be like without your sight? Of all the various side-effects of diabetes, nerve pain (or diabetic neuropathy) is one of the more well-known, but did you know that it can also affect your eyes? This, of course, raises the subject of how often you should visit the eye doctor, and what questions you need to ask when you do go. There is every reason to go to the eye doctor if you are diabetic, regardless of whether or not you currently have perfect vision. In order to help protect your sight, learn the dangers and how to address them. Possible vision problems include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic cataracts, and glaucoma. Try these tips:
- Keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Tight control may help to prevent eye disease. In those cases where degeneration has already occurred, it may help to slow the symptoms.
- Visit the optician at least once a year. Permanent damage can occur long before the symptoms are obvious to you. Regular eye exams help to catch problems early on, and keep you seeing clearly.
- Make an appointment more often if you notice any change in your vision. Most insurances will cover multiple visits if you notice a change in your vision. I had an exam recently barely six months after my last exam because I found my prescription was no longer giving me clear vision. This was regarded as a medical necessity so there was no cost to me.
- Have a dilated eye exam every year. Such exams are not normally routine for healthy patients, so be sure to advise your doctor that you have diabetes in order for it to be included as part of your routine visit.
- Keep a close eye on any vision problems that you have. Be aware that most people with diabetes, for example, will develop some degree of retinopathy. Similarly, diabetics are far more likely to get cataracts compared to people without the disease.
Please note that the content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease.
Tim's Diabetes Blog 