Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. Learn how regular eye exams and proper management can protect your vision.
The Connection Between Diabetes and Eye Health
Diabetes affects blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes. Over time, elevated blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic eye disease — a group of conditions that can cause vision loss and blindness.
Types of Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic Retinopathy
The most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in adults. It occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina.
Stages:
1. Mild Non-Proliferative: Small areas of balloon-like swelling in the retina's blood vessels
2. Moderate Non-Proliferative: Some blood vessels that nourish the retina are blocked
3. Severe Non-Proliferative: Many blood vessels are blocked, depriving the retina of blood supply
4. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): New, fragile blood vessels grow on the retina and can leak, causing severe vision loss
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
Swelling in the macula (the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision) due to leaking blood vessels. Can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy.
Glaucoma
People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma as people without diabetes.
Cataracts
Diabetics are 2-5 times more likely to develop cataracts, and at an earlier age.
Warning Signs
Diabetic eye disease often has no symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- •Blurry or fluctuating vision
- •Floaters (spots or strings in your vision)
- •Dark or empty areas in your vision
- •Difficulty seeing at night
- •Colors appearing washed out
The Importance of Annual Eye Exams
The American Diabetes Association recommends that all people with diabetes have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Early detection and treatment can prevent up to 95% of diabetes-related blindness.
At ProVision Eye Associates, we use advanced imaging technology including:
- •Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina
- •Fundus Photography: Documents the condition of the retina over time
- •Fluorescein Angiography: When needed, maps blood vessel leakage
Protecting Your Vision
1. Control your blood sugar: Keep your A1C below 7% (or as directed by your doctor)
2. Manage blood pressure and cholesterol: These also affect eye health
3. Don't smoke: Smoking increases the risk of diabetic eye disease
4. Exercise regularly: Helps control blood sugar levels
5. Get annual eye exams: Even if your vision seems fine
Treatment Options
When treatment is needed, options include:
- •Anti-VEGF injections: Medications injected into the eye to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and swelling
- •Laser treatment: Seals leaking blood vessels or reduces abnormal vessel growth
- •Vitrectomy: Surgical removal of blood and scar tissue from the vitreous
If you have diabetes, don't wait for symptoms. Schedule your annual dilated eye exam at ProVision Eye Associates today.
