How Does Diabetes Affect the Eyes? Diabetic Retinopathy
How does diabetes affect the eye?
Over time, diabetes can affect the small blood vessels in the retina. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy.
Does it cause symptoms?
In its early stages, the disease may not cause any vision complaints. For this reason, simply waiting for vision to deteriorate is not the right approach. What matters is keeping blood sugar within normal limits before symptoms appear.
What can happen as it progresses?
Bleeding in the retina, changes in the blood vessels or a build-up of fluid affecting central vision may develop.
How should it be monitored?
People with diabetes should be sure to have an eye examination every year, even before any changes develop in the retina. Once retinal changes begin, they should be sure to be examined at the intervals their ophthalmologist recommends.
Is there a treatment?
Depending on the stage of the disease, follow-up, injections of medication into the eye, laser or surgical treatment may be needed. Controlling blood sugar and other systemic risks is also important.
When is an eye examination needed?
If you have a vision complaint that is new, ongoing or affecting your daily life, it is advisable to have it evaluated with an eye examination. Symptoms such as sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain or a curtain/shadow in your visual field should be evaluated without delay.
Information note: This article has been prepared for general information purposes. Decisions on diagnosis and treatment should be made after evaluating the person's eye examination and medical condition.
