Diabetic Eye Exams

DISEASES & CONDITIONS YOUR EYE DOCTOR IS LOOKING FOR

There are several ways diabetes can affect your eyes.

Diabetic Retinopathy
One of the most troubling problems that can come from diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. Most problems from this condition result from damage to the blood vessels in the retina. And an increase in pressure from fluid building up or that same fluid leaking within the eye is one of the primary causes of the damage.

It’s important to note that people with both type 1 or 2 diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy can include:

• Blurry vision
• Spots, floaters, or flashes
• Blind spots
• Dark or empty spot in your vision

Detached Retina

Retinal detachment is fairly rare, but your risk increases if you’re over 50 or have had previous eye injuries. If it happens, it’s generally an emergency. Once retinal detachment causes damage to your eye and vision, the damage may be permanent.
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Symptoms of a detached retina can include:

• Suddenly developing a lot of floaters in your vision
• Flashes of light in the eye
• Blurry vision
• Growing shadows over your field of vision
• Losing peripheral vision
• The appearance of a “curtain” coming across your vision

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 65. But younger people can develop this condition, especially those with diabetes. Glaucoma can develop into its later stages with little to no symptoms, so eye exams are the only reliable way to receive an early diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of glaucoma can include:

• Patchy blind spots in side (peripheral) vision
• Diminished central vision (late stage)

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a more serious version of the condition. In most cases, this is an eye emergency, and you should seek medical care as soon as possible.

​​​​​​​Symptoms include:

• Severe headache or eye pain
• Upset stomach or throwing up
• Blurry vision
• Red eyes
• Halos around light

Cataracts

Typically, cataracts are an age-related condition that most people won’t experience until after age 45. But, having diabetes puts a person at a higher risk of developing cataracts in one or both eyes at a younger age.

Symptoms of cataracts can include:

• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision
• Excessive glare
• Decreased night vision