Common Eye Diseases Linked to Diabetes
Diabetes can increase your risk of developing glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye diseases and conditions, as well as cause diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema.
- Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina (the inner lining of the back of the eye), which leads to vision problems.
- Diabetic macular edema is the swelling of the macula (the part of the retina that allows us to see color and fine details), which can lead to partial or full vision loss.
While diabetic macular edema is a complication of diabetic retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy doesn’t always lead to diabetic macular edema. If caught early enough, the risk of blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy can be reduced by as much as 95%.
We use retinal imaging, which allows us to see a detailed image of the blood vessels of your retina, and optical coherence tomography (OCT), which allows us to see and measure the distinct layers of your retina, to diagnose diabetic retinopathy. Both methods are non-invasive and designed to minimize discomfort.
Diabetes also increases your risk of glaucoma, a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, and cataracts, the clouding of the lenses within the eyes. Glaucoma will often develop without any symptoms or signs and can lead to irreversible vision loss. If glaucoma is identified early, its progression can be slowed through proper treatment.
Because diabetes increases the risk of eye disease, receiving annual comprehensive eye exams is imperative to protecting your eye health and vision. Our skilled team of eye care professionals is here to help protect your eyes from the damaging side effects of diabetes.
Please book your next appointment today.
