Diabetes & High Blood Pressure & Your Eyes

Did you know that someone with diabetes or high blood pressure should have their eyes checked yearly and sometimes more often than yearly?




Both high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes become more common as we get older. Blood vessels throughout the body become weakened with both conditions and because these diseases can go undetected for years, damage to the fragile blood vessels in the eye can occur gradually over time. Even with proper medical control, once the diagnosis has been made, these blood vessels may become leaky and affect vision.

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes, you should have a comprehensive eye examination (including dilating your pupils) yearly by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. An optometrist is qualified to examine your retina, and like most general ophthalmologists, will refer you to a retinal specialist if necessary. The retina, the light-sensing tissue in the back of the eye, is where damage may occur due to high blood pressure and diabetes. If bleeding, leakage, or weakness of the blood vessels is noted during your examination, your eye doctor will likely refer you to the retinal specialist. Treatment by the specialist may include lasers, medications, or injections.

The most important method for preventing vision loss and complications associated with high blood pressure or diabetes is proper control with medications and regular visits to your primary care physician and eye doctor. You can slow the progressive damage that may occur with both of these conditions by regular monitoring of your blood pressure, blood sugar, & cholesterol, maintaining a proper diet, and avoiding smoking.

Most times, once vision loss has occurred, it is permanent. Protect your eyesight by being active in your medical treatment!

---Dr. Heather

Our Thanks to :
Full Spectrum Family Vision Care
Heather L. Trapheagen, O.D.
1224 Del Prado Blvd, S., Ste A
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 573-3937