Eye Problems and Drugs That Can Cause Blindness
Eye problems may also be caused by high levels of glucose in the blood, according to a study that was performed. By making changes to one’s medication levels, these eye problems may be reduced. Diabetes is known to be the leader of blindness in adults between the ages of 20 to 74. It can take as long as three months to get one’s blood glucose levels back to normal.
Some diabetes drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes may augment the risk of eye problems, according to a new study. The study was one of the largest performed to examine eye issues that may be a result of a group of drugs that include Actos and Avandia. The drugs themselves aid in defending against complications and problems that may result from one having the disease. However, they may lead to amplified risk of macular edema or retina swelling, which can result in blindness in both eyes. Macular edema results when fluid builds under the center area of the retina of the eye. The fluid thickens and swells causing a distortion in vision. The center area of the eye allows one to focus piercingly on the colors and details of items that are in its pathway.
Commonly known as diabetic macular edema, this type of visual failure can be prevented if caught early. The Archives of Internal Medicine performed the study on more than 100,000 people who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for roughly 10 years. The previously mentioned medications were found to have two to three times higher risk of aiding in diabetics getting macular edema, despite the low possibility of that actually happening. 1.3% of the individuals studied, who were taking one of the drugs, had already developed macular edema – compared to less than 1% who were not taking medications to mitigate diabetes symptoms. Macular edema can be treated with laser surgery if caught early. The surgery is often completed in one session. To do the surgery, the doctor will place laser burns in the areas where fluid has been built up around the center of the retina. Usually, if both eyes of the diabetic are affected, one eye will be surgically treated at a time. One usually notices immediate changes after surgery.
It is imperative to recognize the types of medication you are taking. Gaining vital insight from your physician and media sources, such as books, can provide you with the information needed to best determine the proper route to control the complications and symptoms associated with diabetes. The disease is manageable with the right regimen and with proper education on medications that are in the market. Other issues, such as vision problems, can be thwarted. Catching any issues or side effects from medications early on can prevent permanent damage to your eyesight. Sometimes, depending upon the effects of drug medications like Actos and Avandia, doctors may want to observe your eyesight to guarantee that the medications are doing what they need to do as far as the diabetes is concerned.
- What Diabetes Supplies Should You Purchase? 29.02.2016