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Diabetes and the Eye

Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing eye problems and generally, the longer the diabetes has been present, the more likely diabetic eye disease will occur. Many of these problems can result in permanent loss of vision. Often, diabetic eye disease will not be noticeable until significant vision loss or eye health changes have occurred; there are no obvious, early symptoms such as eye discomfort, blurred vision or red eyes to alert diabetics to problems. Early detection and treatment are needed to prevent vision loss.

What will diabetics notice from diabetic eye disease?

Noticeable symptoms include:

• Fluctuating or blurring of vision
  
• Distorted vision
  
• Double vision
  
• Loss of peripheral vision
  
• Floaters and flashes

Diabetic Retinopathy

This is the most serious eye problem associated with diabetes and is one of the leading causes of blindness in North America. Retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels that nourish the retina deteriorate as a result of erratic levels of blood sugar, which are common in diabetics. The deteriorating blood vessels will leak, swell or develop abnormalities to cause damage to the retina, resulting in permanent vision loss. All diabetics are at risk for retinopathy, but as mentioned earlier, the risk increases the longer someone is diabetic. If necessary, diabetic retinopathy can be treated by a laser procedure called photocoagulation. This treatment may not improve vision, but it can often prevent vision from deteriorating further.

Detection and Prevention of Diabetic Eye Problems

Eye examination is an integral part in the care of diabetes. Our optometrists recommend that all diabetics should have annual vision and eye health examinations. Your optometrist will monitor any diabetic related vision and eye health related changes. This will allow the optometrist to identify your individual needs, help you to understand your condition and to make specific treatment recommendations.