Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in the United States? For this reason, November is Diabetic Eye Disease month. In this month’s newsletter we will review how diabetes affects the eye, treatment options, risk factors and prevention.

Diabetes and its complications can affect many parts of the body. Diabetes can cause changes in nearsightedness and farsightedness. It can also result in glaucoma and cataracts. Visual symptoms of diabetes include blurring of vision, occasional double vision, night vision problems and flashes and floaters. The most serious eye problem associated with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when there is a weakening or swelling of the tiny blood vessels in the retina of your eye, resulting in blood leakage, the growth of new vessels and other changes. If diabetic retinopathy is left untreated, blindness will result.

There are several risk factors that increase the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. They include poor control of diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and pregnancy.

Regular dilated vision examinations can diagnose potential vision threatening changes in your eye that may be able to be treated to prevent blindness. However, once damage has occurred, the effects are usually permanent.

Monitor and maintain control of your diabetes. See your health care provider regularly and follow instructions about your diet, exercise and medication. See your optometrist as recommended for a thorough eye examination when you are first diagnosed. Have a thorough eye exam at least annually thereafter. Controlling diabetes early will decrease your chance of having permanent visual changes.

Dr. Ryan Arlt

Optometrist