All people who suffer from any form of diabetes are recommended to have routine eye exams, typically including a full comprehensive eye exam including a dilated exam of their retina at least annually. This recommendation exists because Diabetes can cause serious, vision threatening eye problems that are often initially asymptomatic. Early detection of diabetic eye disease can save vision.

Diabetic eye disease is a term for several eye problems that can all result from diabetes. Diabetic eye disease includes:

• Diabetic Retinopathy

• Diabetic Macular Edema

• Cataract

• Glaucoma

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that weakens the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the retina (the light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye where vision is focused). These weak vessels can leak, swell or develop thin branches, causing a loss of vision. Changes to your vision may not be noticeable at first. But in its advanced stages, the disease can cause blurred or cloudy vision, floaters and blind spots and, eventually, blindness. This damage may be irreversible. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye complication and a leading cause of blindness in American adults.

Fortunately, diabetic retinopathy is preventable. Risk for developing retinopathy can be reduced by following your prescribed diet and medications, exercising regularly, controlling your blood pressure, and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes. Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting diabetic retinopathy. Early stages of the disease do not typically require direct ophthalmic treatments while advanced disease requires treatments with a retina specialist. Ohio Eye offers management of all levels of diabetic eye disease, from routine eye exams to sub-specialty Retina care.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Macular edema is a swelling of the retina that can result from diabetic damage. This serious complication of Diabetes causes blurred vision and can result in permanent vision loss. Treatment of macular edema requires advance care with a Retina specialist.

Diabetes and Cataracts

Diabetes is associated with early development of cataracts. People with poorly controlled blood sugars often need cataract surgery at much younger ages and have higher risks for post operative complications. Well managed diabetes can significantly reduce your risk for early cataract formation and complications.

Diabetes and Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to your eye's optic nerve. This damage leads to irreversible loss of vision. Having diabetes can increase your risk of developing glaucoma.

Diabetes can cause vision problems even if you do not have a form of diabetic eye disease. These can include:

• Blurry vision. If your blood sugar levels change quickly, it can affect the shape of your eye’s lens, causing blurry vision. Your vision goes back to normal after your blood sugar stabilizes. Have your blood sugar controlled before getting your eyeglasses prescription checked. This ensures you receive the correct prescription.

• Double vision. Diabetes can damage the nerves that move the eyes and help them work together. This nerve damage can lead to double vision. Seek urgent eye care if you note double vision.

If you have not had an eye exam with your optometrist or ophthalmologist, it is crucial to get one now. Be sure to never skip the follow-up exams that your eye doctor recommends.