$Unique_ID{BRK01158}
$Pretitle{Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{Long Time Diabetes and Visual Problems}
$Subject{eyes vision diabetes glasses}
$Volume{F-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Long Time Diabetes and Visual Problems


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QUESTION:  I have had to return to my eye doctor three times because the
glasses he gives me do not work.  Each time he has re-examined me, and I see
perfectly well with the lenses he uses in his machine, but the glasses that I
get a week later don't help as much.  Do you think he is using the right
lenses, or does my long time diabetes have something to do with it?

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ANSWER:  I am sure your doctor is prescribing the same power lenses for your
glasses as he is using in his "machine".  I am hoping that he is aware of your
diabetes either because he obtained that knowledge by taking your medical
history, or because you volunteered that vital bit of information to him as
you did to me.  That would put any doctor on the alert to two possible causes
for your visual problems.  The most likely, I believe, is that your diabetes
is not well controlled (extremely possible if your medications include insulin
and you do not monitor your own blood sugar). The excess of glucose in your
blood can change the power of the lens in your eye, which changes as your
blood glucose levels change, making the glasses ineffective.  The other
possibility is that the diabetes has affected your retina, a cause that is
evident on careful examination.  Put your medical doctor and your eye doctor
in touch with one another and save some return trips to the office.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
