Diabetes and the Eye

Diabetes can have a wide range of effect on your eyes. It can cause changes in your vision, early cataract formation, bleeding and swelling inside your eye, and even blindness. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the US in patients under the age of 55. It is important to have a dilated eye exam yearly to test for these problems. Most of the time, damage to your eyes is painless and by the time vision changes are noticed it may be too late. Don’t wait for symptoms; be sure to have a comprehensive annual exam to check for retinopathy. At Insight Eyecare, Dr. Phillips takes your eye health very seriously. Having your vision checked or having a vision screening is not enough to detect early signs of problems.

Risk factors:

High blood sugar

High blood pressure

Length of time you have had Diabetes

Family History (genes)

For more information please visit:

http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy.asp

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/eye-complications/