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CDC & Diabetes-Related Eye Disease

According to the National Diabetes Fact Sheet (Reference 1) from the Center on Disease Control (CDC), most new cases of blindness in Americans 20- to 74-years-old are a result of diabetes complications. To combat this trend, the CDC provides informational and educational resources on its website. .

  1. Types

    • An elevated blood glucose level contributes to three diabetes-related eye problems: cataracts, glaucoma and retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy, which damages the retina, can cause blindness.

    Identification

    • For people with diabetes, the CDC recommends an annual dilated eye exam to look for eye disease and vision problems.

    Prevention

    • The most effective way to prevent diabetes-related eye disease is to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Elevated blood glucose levels contribute to retina damage, and are a major cause of diabetic retinopathy.

    Solution

    • Prevention is the best solution, but laser treatments can also be effective. If vision loss is the result of bleeding in the eye, a laser procedure called vitrectomy can reverse some vision loss.

    Learning Resources

    • The Center for Disease Control devotes a section of its website to diabetes-related eye disease. There are informational resources about the effect diabetes has on vision and eye health, and related links to other sites. You will also find instructional material and activities, including interactive tutorials.

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