Did you know your eyewear prescription may be inaccurate if your glucose level is not stable? if your blood sugar levels change quickly from low to normal, the shape of your eye’s lens can be affected and your vision can be blurred, Your vision goes back to normal after your blood sugar stabilizes. We do free blood glucose screening for those who might be at rick of having diabetes.

Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin effectively to control blood sugar (Glucose). Prolonged high levels of glucose in the blood can lead to a host of health problems. Diabetes may damage the heart, kidneys and both the larger blood vessels in the body and the very small, fragile vessels in the eyes. Over time, diabetes can cause damage to your retina and may lead to poor vision and even blindness. ‘

In particular, modern progressive lenses are preferred for anyone who wants the latest technology in multifocal vision correction and also wants the most appealing eyeglasses possible with no old-fashioned lines in the lenses. And this is where we come in!

‘Diabetic Eye Disease’

is the umbrella term used for several eye problems that can result from diabetes. The most serious diabetic eye diseases begin with blood vessel problems, the four that can threaten your sight are; diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts and some types of Glaucoma:

• In Diabetic Retinopathy, the blood vessels in the retina leak, swell and in some cases close off altogether. Abnormal new blood vessels can also grow on the surface of the retina.
• Diabetic Macular Edema is the term used to describe a buildup of fluid on the retina, which leads to swelling and blurry vision and can lead to permanent vision loss.
• Excessive blood sugar levels may result in Cataracts, which can require cataract surgery.
• Having diabetes also doubles your chances of developing Glaucoma, this is a condition in which buildup of intraocular pressure leads to damage to the optic nerve and subsequently irreversible vision loss.
• High blood sugar can also cause Blurred Vision, even in the absence of diabetic retinopathy. If blood sugar levels change rapidly it can affect the eye’s lens and cause blurry vision. This change is often temporary and vision returns to normal once blood sugar is stabilized. It is, therefore, very important to make sure your blood sugar is stable before having your eyes tested to ensure you receive the correct prescription.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that ninety percent of vision loss from diabetes can be prevented through early detection. For people with diabetes, it is important that they have annual eye exams, even in the absence of vision loss. Studies have shown that sixty percent of those living with diabetes are not getting exams as recommended by their eye doctor. To prevent eye damage from diabetes, it is very important to maintain good control of your blood sugar, follow your General Practitioner’s advice on diet and exercise and most importantly have regular eye exams.

We will tell you everything you need to know. Book Your Appointment Today.

Excerpt from https://www.pressreader.com/jamaica/daily-observer-jamaica/20191114/282750588561287