How To Manage Keratoconus With Diabetes?

Have you or a member of your family been diagnosed with Keratoconus? It is an eye disease that you should be aware of because it can impair your vision. That is why DeCarlo Optometry Placentia is here to assist you. We’ve helped countless people who have been diagnosed with this eye condition and provided them with the expert care they deserve. Make an appointment today by calling (714) 996-1136 or emailing us! If you’re looking for the best keratoconus specialist near me, look no further.

Keratoconus in combination with diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people. Everyone, whether they have diabetes or not, should be aware of it. It affects over 2 million people in the United States alone, and the number is increasing by the day. So, let’s get right into it and examine how to manage it in depth.

7 Tips On How To Manage Keratoconus With Diabetes

1. Regular Eye Exams

If you have this eye problem, you should have your eyes checked every few months. Your doctor will need to see you frequently to monitor the progression of your condition. In addition, to look for other diabetes-related eye problems.

Your doctor will examine your eyes to determine whether you require glasses or corrective lenses to improve your vision. They may also suggest additional tests, such as corneal mapping. It is when a machine is used to map out the surface of your cornea in great detail. This test can assist them in developing a better prescription for glasses or lenses.

2. Maintain Healthy Eating Habits

A healthy diet can help you control your blood sugar levels. You should consume plenty of leafy green vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

3. Exercise Regularly

Working out can help you lower your blood sugar levels. You should exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. It makes no difference what type of exercise you prefer. You can go for a walk, swim, or ride your bike.

4. Track Your Blood Sugar Levels

Keep your blood sugar levels stable to avoid complications. If you have diabetes, talk to your keratoconus eye doctor near me about how to keep your blood sugar levels under control. As a last resort, your doctor may prescribe some medication.

5. Be Careful With Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, you must take special care of them because they can become contaminated. You should clean and replace them as directed by your doctor. When your blood sugar is high, bacteria can build up on your lenses more quickly. Consider switching to disposable lenses that you can only use for a single day.

6. Know The Signs Of Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic eye disease, which can result in vision loss, can be caused by a variety of conditions. Diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma are two examples. It’s critical to be on the lookout for any changes in your vision. These symptoms could include floaters, blurred vision, or difficulty seeing at night. If you notice any of these changes, contact your doctor right away.

7. Follow your doctor’s advice.

Take any medications, supplements, or eye drops prescribed by your doctor. It is also critical that you attend all of your eye and diabetes appointments. Your doctors will be able to see how well your treatment plan is working this way. It assists most diabetics in maintaining regular blood sugar levels and avoiding or delaying complications.

However, if you have keratoconus with diabetes, you must take extra precautions to protect your eyes. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are more likely to have both conditions and are more likely to develop eye problems such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

What Are the Symptoms?

Keratoconus symptoms can be mild and easily overlooked in the early stages. They are as follows:

• Blurred Vision

Keratoconus distortions can be so subtle that they can only be detected by a trained eye. Inform your eye doctor if your vision appears blurry or hazier than usual.

• Sensitivity To Light

You may notice yourself squinting or wearing sunglasses more frequently. Because it makes your cornea less clear, light is not refracted into your retina as it should be.

• Eye Strain

Eyes that were previously tired or strained may now feel that way more frequently. To focus, your eyes must work harder, which exhausts them.

• Pain In The Eye

Pain is a symptom of Keratoconus in its early stages, but it is uncommon later on. When you have severe eye pain, see an eye doctor as soon as possible.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your eye doctor right away. They will be able to diagnose the problem and advise on the best treatment options.

How Does Diabetes Affect Keratoconus?

Diabetes makes it difficult for them to produce collagen. Collagen can help your body stay strong. When you have diabetes and Keratoconus, your body has a difficult time producing collagen, which is responsible for the appearance of your skin. When you rub your eye or get hit, your cornea becomes weaker and more vulnerable to injury.

Blood sugar fluctuations can also weaken the collagen in your cornea, making your vision less clear. Keratoconus is more likely if the cornea bulges and changes shape, which is a common symptom.

It can also cause a delay in the healing process following a corneal transplant. If you require a corneal transplant, monitor your blood sugar levels before and after surgery. This is the best way to ensure that your body heals properly.

Common Eye Problems for Diabetics

• Diabetic Retinopathy

It causes damage to the small blood vessels in the retina, the tissue at the back of your eye. If not treated, it can alter your vision and cause you to go blind. It takes years for it to progress to the point where it affects your vision most of the time. As a result, swelling and blood can occur, impairing your vision and causing blindness.

• Diabetic Macular Edema

Another diabetic complication is blurred vision. This occurs when there is an accumulation of fluid in the center of the retina. It makes it difficult to see clearly and can cause a shift in how things appear when you move your eyes. People with diabetes for ten years or more are more likely to develop this condition.

• Diabetic Keratopathy

Diabetics have cloudy corneas due to swelling or the accumulation of protein deposits in the cornea. Long-term diabetes can cause this eye problem in some people. When you are newly diagnosed with diabetes, you may experience short-term changes in blood sugar levels.

• Cataracts

Diabetes can cause cataracts to form at a younger age and progress more quickly than in people who do not have diabetes. Cataracts can cause glare and double vision, exacerbating Keratoconus.

• Glaucoma

It is a condition that causes optic nerve damage. It can also cause vision loss and accelerate the progression of Keratoconus.

What Are The Treatments?

There is currently no cure for this condition, but there are numerous ways to assist. Here are some Keratoconus treatment options near me:

Intacs

This surgery involves inserting plastic rings into the cornea’s outer layers to alter its shape. It means you can see better without glasses or contact lenses.

Corneal Transplant

For a severe condition, it would be best if you received a corneal transplant to replace it with a healthy one from a donor.

Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking

It is a treatment in which eye drops are used to expose the cornea to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. The light helps to strengthen the collagen fibers in the cornea. It helps to keep the disease from worsening and also makes them stronger.

Sometimes a corneal transplant is the only way to improve one’s vision. When this procedure is completed, a healthy cornea from a donor is implanted in its place. Even though this surgery is effective, there are some risks associated with it. Also, even if the transplant is successful, there is a chance that the Keratoconus will return.

You must be aware of all of this, comprehend it, and take the necessary steps. Take care of yourself and keep an eye on your health to avoid long-term damage and get an early diagnosis.
If you have Keratoconus or suspect you have it, you should see a qualified eye doctor right away.

Top Rated Optometrist In Orange County

Our optometrists have received additional training to meet the needs of keratoconus patients. Because of our thorough eye exams, we can detect and treat keratoconus early on, slowing its progression. Because we know there is no cure for this disease, we must begin treatment as soon as possible. 

DeCarlo Optometry Placentia has been helping people with Keratoconus live happy, healthy lives for many years. When you’re ready to find an “eye doctor near me” to help you with your keratoconus concerns, call (714) 996-1136 or use our contact form today.

DeCaro Optometry Placentia Offers The Following Services:

• Keratoconus Dry Eye
• Computer Lenses
• Myopia Control Ortho-k
• Red Eye Check
• Eye Exams
• Eye Glasses
• Contact Lenses
• Glaucoma Treatment
• LASIK Co-Management

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is keratoconus caused by diabetes?

Abstract. Both keratoconus (KC) and chronic diabetes mellitus (DM) are linked to significant defects in the human corneal structure. Long-term studies have suggested that DM is linked to KC, primarily through the crosslinking mechanism, but scientific evidence is lacking.

How do you halt the progression of keratoconus?

Early stages of the disease can be treated with glasses, but as the disease progresses into late childhood and early adulthood, corneal transplantation may be required to restore sight. Corneal collagen cross-linking is a procedure used to slow or stop the progression of keratoconus.

How can you assist someone who has keratoconus?

Eyeglasses or contact lenses can be used to treat mild to moderate keratoconus. This is likely to be a long-term treatment, especially if your cornea becomes stable over time or through cross-linking.

How can you keep keratoconus from worsening?

You may be able to reduce your risk of keratoconus by wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV radiation. Make certain that your contact lenses fit properly. Getting treatment for any type of eye ailment (for example, from allergies) You should not rub your eyes.

What exactly is non-enzymatic glycation?

Glycation is the covalent attachment of sugar to a protein or lipid (also known as non-enzymatic glycosylation). Glucose, fructose, and their derivatives are common sugars that participate in glycation.

What factors can aggravate keratoconus?

Avoid aggressive eye rubbing constant eye rubbing is thought to contribute to keratoconus worsening. Make an effort not to rub your eyes excessively or aggressively. Itching from seasonal allergies is frequently linked to habitual eye rubbing, so keep allergies under control as much as possible.

How can you naturally slow the progression of keratoconus?

Keratoconus reversal, however, regardless of the cause of your Keratoconus, there is no way to reverse it naturally or medically through diet, exercise, drugs, or other therapies.

Can keratoconus cause blindness?

Keratoconus does not result in total blindness. It has the potential to cause partial blindness or significant visual impairment. It can cause blurred vision, reduced vision, light sensitivity, and other symptoms.

Is keratoconus a serious condition?

Keratoconus, if left untreated, can result in permanent vision loss. The corneal changes make it difficult to focus the eye with or without eyeglasses or standard soft contact lenses.

Do keratoconus eye drops help?

Keratoconus cannot be treated with eye drops or other medications, but there are some methods that can help slow or stop disease progression: 1- During the initial stages, glasses or soft contact lenses may be used to correct vision.

Can I live a normal life while suffering from keratoconus?

The good news is that this does not have to be the case, and patients with keratoconus can live normal lives just like anyone else with good vision. All you need is the right treatment to regain your vision.

Can keratoconus be reversed?

Keratoconus does not go away by itself. Even with medications, special contact lenses, or surgery, the shape of your cornea cannot be changed permanently. Remember that while we have several options for reshaping your cornea, keratoconus is a chronic, lifelong condition. So don’t put it off until things worsen.

How can I thicken my cornea naturally?

• Consume colorful vegetables. The brighter they are, the better they are at strengthening and protecting your vision.
• Look for leafy green vegetables.
• Look for Brightly Colored Fruit.
• Take Breaks. Don’t Forget To Blink.
• Try The Hitchhiker Exercise.
• The Water Bottle Exercise.