How does diabetes affect the eyes?
Over 40% of patients diagnosed with diabetes develop some form of eye disease as a result. Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing eye conditions because a high blood sugar level can damage small blood vessels in the eye. Diabetes can cause blood or fluid to leak from the retina or new blood vessels to grow on the surface of the retina, which can lead to significant damages to your vision. Adults with diabetes are also:
- 2-5 times more likely to develop cataracts
- 2 times more likely to be at risk of glaucoma
How can you prevent diabetic eye disease?
It is important for patients with diabetes to have dilated eye exams once a year to detect any signs of diabetic eye disease, such as changes to blood vessels, leaking blood vessels, swelling in the macula, or damage to nerve tissue. You can also minimize your risk of developing diabetic eye disease by:
- Keeping your blood sugar under control
- Keeping your blood pressure under control
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and is a leading cause of blindness in adults. It develops due to changes in blood sugar levels and commonly after 10 years of having diabetes. If high blood sugar levels cause blood vessels in the retina to leak blood or fluid, the retina may become swollen and form deposits.
