How Diabetes Affects Vision

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all the organs of the body over time. If left unattended, it can cause blindness. According to the American Diabetes Association, 12,000 to 24,000 reports of blindness every year make "diabetes the leading cause of new cases" in adults 20 to 74 years old.

Signs

• The first sign of eye disease is blurry vision. It usually occurs in people who have had diabetes for at least 5 years. Eyes may hurt or become red.

Retina

• The tiny blood vessels of the retina are eventually damaged when blood glucose levels are high. The blood vessels swell, weaken and then clog, so blood cannot pass through.

Complications

• As new blood vessels grow, they continue to weaken and leak blood into the vitreous of the eye. Light cannot reach the eye because of the blood.

Time Frame

• Over years, the blood vessels form scar tissue that pull the retina away from the back of the eye. A detached retina can cause loss of sight.

Prevention/Solution

• Keep blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. Tell your eye doctor that you have diabetes, so your eyes can be checked regularly.

Significance

• Besides retina issues, diabetes may lead to cataracts and glaucoma.