The three major eye problems that people with diabetes need to be aware of are cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy. To prevent eye problems, you should:
- Control your blood glucose.
- Have your eyes checked at least once a year by an ophthalmologist (eye specialist).
- Control high blood pressure.
Contact your doctor if any of the following occur:
- Black spots in your vision
- Flashes of light
- "Holes" in your vision
- Blurred vision
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding or fogging of the lens inside the eye.
When this happens, light cannot enter the eye and vision is impaired.
Symptoms
- Blurred vision
- Glared vision
Treatment
Surgery followed by glasses, contact lenses, or lens implant
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve (the "cable" that
connects the eye to the brain and transmits light impulses to the brain). If the
pressure inside the eye builds up, it can cause damage to this optic nerve.
While most often there are NO symptoms from glaucoma, the following symptoms might occur:
- Loss of vision or visual field
- Headaches
- Eye aches (pain)
- Halos around lights
- Blurred vision
- Watering eyes
Treatment
- Special eye drops
- Laser therapy
- Medication
- Surgery
Prevention
Have your eye doctor screen for glaucoma annually.
Retinopathy
Problems with the retina are called diabetic retinopathy.
Problems develop as a result of fluid leaking from blood vessels into the eye or
abnormal blood vessels formed in the eye. In either case, vision can be
affected. If retinopathy is not found early or is not treated, blindness can
occur.
Symptoms
Sometimes there are no symptoms of retinopathy, but two common symptoms are:
- Blurred vision
- Spots or lines in your vision
Treatment
Prevention
Have your eye doctor screen for retinopathy annually.
Women with preexisting diabetes who become pregnant should have
a comprehensive eye exam during the first trimester and close follow-up with an
eye doctor during pregnancy. (This recommendation does not apply to women who
develop gestational diabetes, since they are not at risk for retinopathy.)
Blurred vision
Don't buy a new pair of glasses when you notice you have blurred
vision. Blurred vision can develop rapidly and can be due to high blood glucose
levels. High blood glucose causes the lens of the eye to swell, which changes
your ability to see. To correct this kind of blurred vision, you need to get
your blood glucose level back into the target range (80-140 mg/dl before meals,
and 100-160 mg/dl before bedtime snack). Blurred vision can also be a symptom of
more serious eye problems. If your vision is blurred, contact your doctor.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 1/19/2009…#9813
