Diabetic Eye Disease

What causes diabetic eye disease?

The blood vessels in the back of your eye are very small and can be damaged by high blood glucose and high blood pressure. Even though you may feel fine, this damage can be happening if your blood glucose and blood pressure are above normal. It is more common for people with diabetes to have cataracts and glaucoma, as well.

How can I keep from getting eye disease?

• Keep your blood glucose and blood pressure in goal range.

• Have a yearly eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, making sure you are given eye drops to dilate the pupil.

• Call your doctor right away if you have blurred or double vision, black spots floating in front of your vision, flashes of light or other eye problems. Catching eye disease early is very important.

• Do not smoke or use tobacco products.

If I have eye disease, how can I keep it from getting worse?

• Keep your blood glucose and blood pressure at goal range.

• Exercise regularly; for example, walking or swimming. Do not lift weights or do other things that would make the blood rush to your head.

• See your eye doctor regularly. Laser treatments can be used to treat damaged blood vessels and may prevent blindness.

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