New research links diabetes to eye health

June 30, 2010

According to new research, individuals with type two diabetes may help preserve their vision by controlling their blood sugar and cholesterol levels, InsiderMedicine.com reports.

A condition referred to as diabetic retinopathy, which is when blood vessels in the retina are damaged due to the disease, was studied by researchers.

The study followed 10,000 participants who had type two diabetes, and who were also at a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and assigned them regular care that controlled their blood sugar levels, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Nearly 3,000 participants were followed up for four years. Those with intensively controlled blood sugar levels were 33 percent less likely to see a progression of diabetic retinopathy compared to those whose blood sugars were less controlled or not monitored.

Those with intensively controlled cholesterol had a 40 percent reduced risk for progression of their diabetic retinopathy, when compared with those who received regular cholesterol control.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends an annual eye exam for adults over the age of 18. Eye exams may pick up symptoms of diabetes and other diseases that may be in their early stages.