How Does Diabetes Affect the Eyes?

If you or a loved one has diabetes, you’re monitoring your blood sugar daily. It’s critical to keep diabetes under control for many reasons. Diabetes may not only lead to kidney damage, leg ulcers, and nerve damage; it can also lead to eye diseases and even blindness. 

Our board-certified ophthalmologists with Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, take special care of your eyes when you have diabetes. You need more frequent eye exams than people who don’t have diabetes. 

You should have an eye exam every year once you’re diagnosed with diabetes. We need to see you more frequently if you have any signs of early eye disease. Your Wolchok physician lets you know how often you should come in to get your eyes checked. 

Diabetes can lead to serious eye diseases, some of which can cause vision loss and blindness. 

Diabetic retinopathy

You may think of blindness as a misfortune occurring from a traumatic accident. However, the number one cause of blindness in America is diabetic retinopathy. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can lead to this eye disease that damages blood vessels in your body, including your eyes. 

The blood vessels in your eyes may begin to swell, leak, and bleed when your blood sugar is uncontrolled for extended periods. New blood vessels may grow and can develop scar tissue or bleed. 

Diabetic retinopathy may not present symptoms in the early stages. That’s why it’s essential to keep your scheduled eye appointments when you have diabetes. As it progresses, you may see dark spots, floaters, rings, or flashes of light. You might have blurry vision and trouble seeing at night. 

Glaucoma 

Diabetes can cause neovascular glaucoma. Like diabetic retinopathy, this form of glaucoma damages the blood vessels in your retina. New blood vessels may grow on your iris, creating excess pressure in your eye. 

Cataracts

Cataracts typically affect vision in many senior adults. If you have diabetes, you’re more at risk for developing cataracts at an earlier age and having them progress faster. Your excess blood sugar begins to cloud the lens in your eyes.   

Macular edema 

If you experience blurry vision and you have diabetes, you could have a condition called macular edema. Your macula lies in the center of your retina and helps to provide clear vision. You can develop edema or swelling, which can cause blurry vision. 

Keeping your regular eye appointments helps reassure you that your eyes are in good condition. If we spot a problem early, it’s much easier to treat than waiting until the condition has progressed to the point of affecting your vision. 

Call Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, or book an appointment online today. We help you preserve your vision.