Diabetes Health Center
Eye Problems and Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy continued...
Here, it is important to address the risks factors that can worsen the occluded vessels. Smoking cessation, high blood pressure control, cholesterol management, and blood sugar control must take place in order to stop the progression of new vessels from forming into the orbit of the eye. These are fragile vessels that can bleed and eventually cause a clot to form in the orbit, which scars and causes detachment of the retina. This eventually leads to irreversible vision loss.
Treatment of diabetic retinopathy may involve laser procedures or surgery. In a study of people with diabetes with early retinopathy, laser therapy to burn the fragile vessel resulted in a 50% reduction of blindness.
To prevent retinopathy with diabetes, have your eye doctor screen your eyes annually. Women with diabetes who later become pregnant should have a comprehensive eye exam during the first trimester and close follow-up with an eye doctor during the rest of their pregnancy to avoid serious eye problems with diabetes. (This recommendation does not apply to women who develop gestational diabetes, since they are not at risk for retinopathy.)
How Can I Prevent Eye Problems With Diabetes?
The American Diabetes Association offers these eye care guidelines for people with diabetes to help prevent eye problems:
- People with type 1 diabetes should have a dilated eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist within three to five years after diagnosis.
- People with type 2 diabetes should have a dilated eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist shortly after diagnosis.
- Annual eye exams should be done with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes by an ophthalmologist or optometrist; more frequently if necessary.
- When considering pregnancy, women with a history of diabetes should have an eye exam prior and during pregnancy. This does not pertain to women with gestational diabetes.
To prevent eye problems in diabetes, you should:
- Control your blood sugar
- Control high blood pressure
When to Contact Your Doctor About Eye Problems in Diabetes
If you have diabetes, contact your doctor about any eye problems in if any of the following occur:
- Black spots in your vision.
- Flashes of light.
- "Holes" in your vision.
- Blurred vision.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
Hot Topics in Diabetes
Vinegar is in everything from coleslaw to pickles. What if you could actually use it to help prevent disease?
