Diabetic Eye Disease
Approximately 10.3 million Americans have diabetes.
More than half of these individuals are at risk for vision loss and other
health problems because they don't know they have the disease.
Diabetic eye disease, a
group of eye problems that affects those with diabetes, includes diabetic
retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma. The most common of these is diabetic
retinopathy, which affects 5.3 million Americans age eighteen and older.
Diabetic retinopathy is a
potentially vision threatening condition in which the blood vessels inside
the retina become damaged from the high blood sugar levels associated with
diabetes. This leads to the leakage of fluids into the retina and the
obstruction of blood flow. Both may result in vision loss.
More than one third of
those diagnosed with diabetes do not receive the recommended vision care
and may be at risk for blindness. Because there are often no symptoms in
the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, your vision may not be affected
until the disease becomes severe.
Once diagnosed with
diabetes, schedule a complete dilated eye examination with your Eye M.D.
at least once a year. Make an appointment promptly if you experience
blurred vision and floaters that:
- Affect only one eye
- Last more than a few days
- Are not associated with a change in blood sugar
In advanced cases of
diabetic retinopathy, laser treatment and/or Avastin, Lucenits, and
Macugen (anti-VEGF agents)has
been shown to reduce the loss of vision. This treatment does not cure
diabetic retinopathy, nor does it prevent future vision loss, especially
if diabetes or blood pressure is not well controlled. Diabetes can also
affect your vision by causing cataracts and glaucoma. If you have
diabetes, you may get cataracts at a younger age and your chances of
developing glaucoma are doubled.
Early diagnosis of
diabetes and effective control of blood sugar and hypertension through
diet, exercise and medication can help to reduce your risk of developing
eye diseases associated with diabetes.