Diabetes, a chronic disease that occurs when the body can't regulate blood sugar levels, affects 11.6% of the US population. Unmanaged, diabetes can cause complications in nearly every part of the body— including the eyes. Learn what you can do to prevent and identify 4 diabetic eye complications that can lead to serious vision problems and even blindness.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive condition that affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to leakage, swelling and the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels.
Symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Floaters
- Vision loss
Treatment: There are vision-saving treatments available for DR. Your doctor will recommend the treatment path that is right for you based on your health history, symptoms and stage of DR. Options include:
- Laser surgery: An in-office procedure that destroys devitalized (non-viable) tissue to prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
- Injections: Medication is injected into the eye to stop leaking or growth of abnormal blood vessels.
- Vitrectomy: Surgery to release traction on the retina and clear blood that limits vision.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
DME is a result of fluid accumulation in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It often occurs alongside diabetic retinopathy and is characterized by the leakage of fluid from damaged blood vessels.
Symptoms: Blurred or distorted central vision
Treatment: As with diabetic retinopathy, your doctor will work with you to recommend the best treatment option. These may include:
- Injections: Medication is injected into the eye to stop leaking of blood vessels.
- Laser surgery: A second line therapy that focally treats areas of leakage.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to decreased vision. People with diabetes can experience accelerated cataract formation.
Symptoms:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Increased sensitivity to glare
- Difficulty with night vision
- Reduced color vision
Treatment: The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery. During surgery, your ophthalmologist removes the clouded lens and replacing it with a permanent artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve and is often linked to increased pressure in the eye. People with diabetes can develop abnormal blood vessels in the front of the eye that can lead to elevated eye pressure and eventually optic nerve damage.
Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Eye pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Vision loss
- Eye redness
Treatment: Injections or lasers are used to treat abnormal blood vessel development and medications or surgery are used to control eye pressure.
Preventing and managing diabetic eye conditions
Awareness, early detection and effective management of your diabetes are the keys to preserving and protecting your vision. If you have diabetes, the 2 most important things you can do to protect your eye health are:
- Get routine eye exams: An annual comprehensive eye exam ensures early detection and effective management of diabetic eye conditions.
- Control your sugar control: Maintaining your blood sugar levels within your target range significantly reduces the risk of developing diabetic eye conditions. Follow a balanced diet, be physically active, take your diabetes medications as prescribed by your doctor and follow up with your doctor regularly.
