Diabetes & the Eye

Poorly regulated and high levels of sugar in the blood due to diabetes can affect the eyes and vision in a number of ways.  It may lead to frequent fluctuations in vision, cataracts at a young age, decreased vision due to involvement of the optic nerve, temporary paralysis of the muscles controlling the movement of eyes and thus double vision.  The most significant complication of diabetes in the eye is diabetic retinopathy and its complications.

Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition in which changes occur in the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina.  In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, small blood vessels weaken and leak fluid or tiny amounts of blood, which distort the retina slightly.

The longer a person has diabetes, the greater are his/her chances to develop diabetic retinopathy.  Almost 80% of people, who have diabetes for 15 years or more, have some damage to the blood vessels in their retina.

The good news is that there are ways to lower your risk of eye complications from diabetes:

• Keep blood sugar under good control
• Monitor your weight
• Monitor your blood pressure
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Exercise regularly
• See an eye doctor for a dilated eye exam at least once a year

McFarland Eye Centers offers the latest technology in the treatment of diabetic related eye diseases.