Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to produce or use insulin effectively. Among other effects, it can also cause diabetic eye disease. This guide breaks down the basics of diabetic eye disease and why eye care is a critical part of diabetes management.

What Patients Should Know About Diabetic Eye Disease

What It Is

Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of ocular conditions that people with diabetes may experience. These include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Diabetic retinopathy affects the blood vessels in the eye, potentially leading to blindness. Macular edema occurs when fluid builds up on the retina, causing blurry vision, swelling, and even vision loss. High blood sugar can cause cataracts in people with diabetes. This condition is a clouding of the eye’s lens, which often requires surgery. Diabetes also increases your risk of glaucoma, which causes optic nerve damage and vision loss.

Symptoms

The specific symptoms of diabetic eye disease depend on the condition you experience. However, common signs include blurry vision, dark areas in your vision, muted colors, vision loss, flashes of light, floaters, and vision that changes daily. Remember to always call your eye care provider if you have concerns about your vision, and attend your routine eye exams. The eye doctor can test for diabetic eye disease and talk to you about your risk.

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, or glaucoma, your eye doctor will begin appropriate treatment. Depending on your condition, they may recommend medication, surgery, laser treatment, or injections. The eye doctor will monitor your progress and continue testing for other eye diseases associated with diabetes.

How to Prevent It

Prevention of diabetic eye disease starts with managing your diabetes. Talk to your doctor about monitoring your blood sugar and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and exercise. You should also see your eye doctor regularly for exams so that you can catch any early signs.

If you have diabetes, schedule regular eye exams. The team at Blue Earth Valley Eye Clinic offers thorough eye testing for their patients, curating a set of services for your needs. Located in south-central Minnesota, these eye care professionals offer annual eye exams, glaucoma and cataract testing, contact lenses, and eyeglasses fittings. They work with patients of all ages and use the latest equipment, ensuring that the whole family receives quality care. Visit them online to view a full list of their services, or call (507) 526-2222 to make an appointment.