Types Of Diabetic Eye Conditions A Person May Experience

Diabetes is a serious disease that can affect children, adults and older seniors in Boulder. Proper eye care, eating healthy and avoiding bad habits can help people avoid such a disease. If a person does become a diabetic, they can experience a number of health issues such as heart disease, kidney failure and eye diseases. Diabetic eye diseases can be treated if they are detected early. People who do not obtain eye care Boulder when they have diabetes may experience vision loss or blindness.

Types of Diabetic Eye Conditions

There are several different types of diabetic eye diseases. Three of the main diseases are cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common condition a person may experience.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a cloudiness along the lens of the eyes. This cloudiness is caused by protein in the eyes that begins to build up. The build up of protein prevents light from passing through the lens of the eye, which allows for images to be processed by the brain. Cataracts can cause a loss of vision to diabetics as objects look cloud and blurry. Eyeglasses, bifocals or cataract surgery are certain eye care treatments that can correct cataract problems for people in Boulder.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition where there is unwanted pressure to the eye that can damage the optical nerve. This pressure, called intraocular pressure, can continue to increase until a person loses their vision. Glaucoma usually occurs to older adults as it can be hard for a person to detect unless they have routine eye exams.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when there are abnormal blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels can leak fluid or blood as they swell. For people in Boulder, new blood vessels that are abnormal in nature may begin to grow on the retina's surface. Blindness and vision loss may occur. Laser surgery can treat diabetic retinopathy. This surgery can reduce the chance of a person becoming blind but will not restore vision for a person who may have already lost it. 

Anybody who has diabetes can get any of these diabetic eye diseases. Proper treatment of diabetes and eye care in Boulder can eliminate the chances of getting these diseases or prevent further damage to the eyes. Vision loss does not have to occur so long as a person receives early detection tests and treatment.