Diabetic Eye Disease
Early Diabetes Detection Can Reduce Vision Loss
Diabetes can affect all parts of the body, including the eyes. Poorly controlled diabetes may lead to severe eye problems, and even blindness. Eye damage from diabetes can appear months or years after blood sugar has been controlled. Vision loss usually can be prevented if diabetic eye problems are detected early, and if strict control of diabetes is maintained.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes Can Cause Retinal Bleeding
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most frequent causes of blindness in this country. However, this form of blindness is completely preventable with proper control of the diabetes, and with yearly eye examination through dilated pupils. Learn more about diabetic retinopathy.
Early Cataracts Often Occur With Diabetes
Diabetes can cause premature development of cataracts. Cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which can cause blurred vision, glare and difficulty focusing. Learn more about cataracts and treatment of cataracts.
Abnormal Blood Vessels May Cause Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, the nerve that connects your eye to your brain. Risk for glaucoma increases for people with diabetes.
Diabetes can lead to the growth of new blood vessels in the body. These abnormal blood vessels are not limited to the retina of the eye. Sometimes, these abnormal blood vessels grow on the iris of the eye and cover the drainage angle.
A blocked drainage angle results in accumulation of aqueous humor fluid in the eye, increased pressure in the eye, and, ultimately, a type of glaucoma called neovascular glaucoma. Learn more about glaucoma and treatment of glaucoma.
