What is diabetic eye disease?

Diabetic eye disease refers to a collection of vision abnormalities that can develop as a result of diabetes. Diabetic eye disease puts everybody with diabetes at risk for vision loss or blindness. Unfortunately, there are no warning indications of diabetic eye illness; however, early detection and treatment can help to lessen the risks. One of the best methods to detect early signs of diabetic eye disease is to get a full dilated eye examination once a year. Taking your diabetic medicine as directed, eating a nutritious diet, remaining physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking can all help you control your diabetes and reduce your chances of developing diabetic eye disease.

How can diabetic eye disease affect my eyes?

• Cataracts
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Glaucoma

Who is at risk for developing diabetic eye disease?

Diabetic eye disease can affect everyone with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2. The longer you have diabetes, the higher your risks become. After a decade, more than half of people with type 1 diabetes develop retinopathy, and roughly a third of people with type 2 diabetes already have it when they are diagnosed with diabetes. People who have or develop diabetes during pregnancy can experience a rapid onset or worsening of diabetic retinopathy.

Is there any way to prevent diabetic eye disease?

Early detection and treatment reduces the chance of blindness by 95%. It's for this reason that patients with diabetes should schedule comprehensive dilated eye exams at least once a year. Those with early stage diabetes should have their eyes examined more frequently, and women with diabetes who get pregnant should have their eyes examined right away. It's also important to keep your diabetes under control; studies show that people who keep their blood sugar levels near to normal have a lower risk of developing diabetic retinopathy than those who don't. You should also take your medications as directed, maintain a healthy weight, exercise on a regular basis, quit smoking, and keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control.