When diabetes is not properly controlled, blood sugar levels can skyrocket and cause a variety of serious health problems, including those that affect the eyes. For example, high blood sugar can cause pressure in the lens to increase, resulting in temporary blurry vision. Other eye problems related to diabetes, however, can be more serious. To help patients preserve their vision, Daniel J. Kroger OD in West Chester, OH, shares a few common ocular diseases caused by diabetes.

3 Ocular Diseases to Know About if You Have Diabetes

1. Retinopathy

Over time, high levels of sugar in the blood can damage vessels found within the eye. If the damage is severe enough, fluids can leak out of vessels and cause the retina to swell. Initially, this ocular disease might be recognized by persistent blurry vision or eye floaters. If left untreated, however, retinopathy can result in blindness. Fortunately, eye doctors can use imaging technology to diagnose the problem early on and offer treatments to keep symptoms from worsening—including medication and laser surgery.

2. Glaucoma

While the exact link between the two conditions remains unknown, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recognizes an increased risk of glaucoma among people with diabetes. Glaucoma occurs when pressure within the eye increases and presses against the optic nerve. Ultimately, this pressure can result in pain and significant vision loss. The good news is that this ocular disease takes time to develop and can be successfully managed if caught through regular glaucoma testing by an optometrist.

3. Cataracts

When too much sugar builds up in the lens of the eye, it gets converted into a protein known as sorbitol. This protein can collect in the lens to eventually form cataracts—a clouding of the eye that can cause blurriness. In its early stages, cataracts might not require any treatment, but surgical removal could be necessary if vision loss worsens.

In addition to keeping blood sugar under control, protecting your eyes from diabetes-related ocular diseases requires ongoing care from a trusted vision specialist. Located in West Chester, Daniel J. Kroger OD offers a variety of general and specialized eye care services—including testing and treatment of retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. To learn more about this optometrist, visit them online, or call (513) 777-3936 today to schedule an appointment.