Did you know that November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month? Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may experience because of high blood sugar levels damaging the blood vessels in the retina.
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common form of diabetic eye disease and is a leading cause of blindness in American adults. Keep reading to learn about types of diabetic eye diseases and the importance of scheduling diabetic eye exams.
Types of diabetic eye disease
There are four types of diabetic eye disease:
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic macular edema (DME)
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye, and it sends images to your brain.
In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy usually has no symptoms, so it is important to get regular comprehensive eye exams. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can eventually lead to blindness.
Cataracts
A cataract is when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy or opaque, making it difficult to see. People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age than those without diabetes. Symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Poor night vision
- Halos around lights
Cataracts are treated with surgery, but surgery isn’t always necessary right away.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease typically caused by high eye pressure, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, usually develops slowly and has no early warning signs or symptoms. Only a comprehensive eye exam can detect the early signs of glaucoma. African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos are at an increased risk of glaucoma, along with anyone with a family history of glaucoma.
Diabetic macular edema
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is when fluid leaks from damaged blood vessels into the macula—the part of your retina responsible for central vision—causing it to swell and affecting your ability to see clearly. DME can cause blurred vision and blind spots in your field of vision.
DME is treated with laser surgery, injections into the eye, or a combination of both. If you have DME, you will need regular monitoring by an eye doctor because DME can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated early enough.
Ensure early detection of diabetic eye disease
Since symptoms may not appear until diabetic eye disease is more advanced, it’s critical to see an eye doctor regularly. Annual eye exams provide the opportunity for early intervention, which can significantly reduce the chances of vision loss. Give us a call today or schedule your diabetic eye exam online and protect your vision!
