A 45-year-old member asked:
diagnosed with cataracts and glaucoma. since glaucoma and diabetes have similar symptoms, should i be checked for diabetes as a precaution?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Tim Conrad answered
Ophthalmology 34 years experience
Maybe: Cataracts and glaucoma occur more frequently in diabetics than non-diabetics. It would be unusual for your primary care doctor not to find diabetes during a routine checkup. If this has not been done recently, go for it, and mention your diabetes concern to the doctor. A simple blood test can tell you the answer.
5174 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Rebecca Dale answered
Ophthalmology 21 years experience
Doesn't hurt: Most people with glaucoma do not actually have any symptoms, and the link between diabetes and glaucoma is confusing (linked in some studies and not in others). However diabetes is very common and you are over age 40, so a reasonable thing to check just for general health - see your primary doc for advice on this.
5156 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Mar 30, 2016
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