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Diabetes affects the proper functioning of the eye in a number of ways. Healthy Times looks at a number of conditions that can occur. The most severe condition is Diabetic retinopathy. It causes temporary blurring due to the swelling of the eye’s lens. Sufferers will have blurred vision for a few days or weeks while their diabetes is first being controlled.

Another condition is Cataract, which can happen in two forms. Young people who are diabetic can develop a special type of cataract where their vision gets worse. This can be corrected by surgery. Older diabetics are more prone to getting cataracts and this can be removed by surgery or by inserting a lens implant. However, this is not for everyone, so consult your specialist first.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most serious diabetic eye condition involving the fine network of blood vessels in the retina. There are two types which can damage your sight and it develops in people who have had long-term diabetes.

The first type is Maculopathy and it occurs when the blood vessels in the retina start to leak. If the macula is affected, your central vision slowly gets worse and it will be difficult to look at distant objects or read small print. However, it is rare for someone with maculopathy to become blind.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the second type and can cause blockage to the blood vessels in the retina. This causes new blood vessels to form in the eye as a way to repair the damage so that the retina has a new blood supply. But these new blood vessels are weak and in the wrong place – growing on the surface of the retina and into the vitreous jelly. This causes the blood vessels to bleed easily and causes very scar tissue to develop n the eye. The scarring pulls and distorts the retina and this is called retinal detachment. This condition is found in people who have been insulin dependent for many years.

The new blood vessels will rarely affect vision, but symptoms such as bleeding or retinal detachment can cause vision to get worse. Eyesight may be blurred and patchy as the bleeding obscures part of your vision. Left untreated, total loss of eyesight can take place in proliferative retinopathy.

Please note that with proper treatment; most eyesight-threatening diabetic problems can be prevented if detected early.

Do not forget to get your copy of “Signs of Diabetes” free ebook at http://www.e-healthytimes.com/ebook/signs-of-diabetes.html

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