Facts About Diabetic Eye Disease
Points to Remember Diabetic eye disease comprises a group of eye conditions that affect people with diabetes. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), cataract, and glaucoma. All forms of diabetic eye disease have the potential to cause severe vision loss and blindness. Diabetic retinopathy involves changes to retinal blood vessels that can cause them to bleed or leak fluid, distorting vision. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes and a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. DME is a consequence of diabetic retinopathy that causes swelling in the area of the retina called the macula. Controlling diabetes—by taking medications as prescribed, staying physically active, and maintaining a healthy diet—can prevent or delay vision loss. Because diabetic retinopathy often goes unnoticed until vision loss occurs, people with diabetes should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up care of diabetic eye disease can protect against vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with several therapies, used alone or in combination. NEI supports research to develop new therapies for diabetic retinopathy, and to compare the effectiveness of existing therapies for different patient groups. What is diabetic eye disease? Diabetic eye disease can affect many parts of the eye, including the retina, macula, lens and the optic nerve. Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye conditions that can affect people with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy affects blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue called the retina that lines the back of the eye. It is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes Continue reading >>
Diabetic Retinopathy
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. When these blood vessels are damaged, they may leak blood and grow fragile new vessels. When the nerve cells are damaged, vision is impaired. These changes can result in blurring of your vision, hemorrhage into your eye, or, if untreated, retinal detachment. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in the United States. What Is Diabetic Retinopathy, Testing, and Treatments Watch these video animations to learn more about diabetic retinopathy, the affect that the diabetic retinopathy has on the eyes, and tests and treatments options for the condition. Topics covered Symptoms Blurred vision Sudden loss of vision in one eye Seeing rings around lights Dark spots or flashing lights The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have diabetic retinopathy. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist for a complete exam. It is also important to note that pregnancy and high blood pressure may aggravate diabetic retinopathy. Causes People with untreated diabetes are 25 times more at risk for blindness than the general population. The longer a person has had diabetes, the higher the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Fortunately, with regular, proper eye care and treatment when necessary, the incidence of severe vision loss has been greatly reduced. If you have diabetes, your ophthalmologist can help to prevent serious vision problems. Diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss in two ways: Macular Edema Macular edema is a condition where your retinal blood vessels develop tiny leaks. When this occurs, blood and fluid leak from the retinal blood vessels and f Continue reading >>
Questions / Comments: Please Include Non-medical Questions And Correspondence Only.
Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of new cases of legal blindness in working age Americans. It is estimated that 14 million Americans have diabetes, but that only one half of these are aware of it. This page discusses ocular complications of diabetes, and their treatment. These sections are not intended to replace the professional examination and diagnosis by a physician, and they are presented here purely for informational purposes. All possible diagnoses and treatment options are not covered, and the information discussed should not be taken as a recommendation to self-diagnose and self-treat a condition. A misdiagnosed or improperly treated eye condition can result in a permanent loss of vision, or a permanent loss of function of the eye or visual system. In the case of any eye problem, seek medical attention promptly. This can include emergency room treatment, as well as treatment by a medical physician or eyecare provider. The doctors of Richmond Eye Associates perform extensive comprehensive eye examinations to check for all possible ocular complications of diabetes mellitus. The most common specific ocular complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, which can even occur in patients who have diet controlled diabetes and "pre-diabetes". Diabetic retinopathy can treated and reversed, especially if caught in the early stages, so it is generally recommended for diabetics to have a dilated comprehensive eye examination annually. Diabetes can also increase the risk for other ocular conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. These will be screened for at the time of the comprehensive diabetic eye examination as well. Ancillary testing such as fundus photography and optical coherence tomography may also be used when indicated at the time of the examination Diab Continue reading >>
Diabetic Eye Disease
Early Diabetes Detection Can Reduce Vision Loss Diabetes can affect all parts of the body, including the eyes. Poorly controlled diabetes may lead to severe eye problems, and even blindness. Eye damage from diabetes can appear months or years after blood sugar has been controlled. Vision loss usually can be prevented if diabetic eye problems are detected early, and if strict control of diabetes is maintained. Diabetes Can Cause Retinal Bleeding Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most frequent causes of blindness in this country. However, this form of blindness is completely preventable with proper control of the diabetes, and with yearly eye examination through dilated pupils. Learn more about diabetic retinopathy. Early Cataracts Often Occur With Diabetes Diabetes can cause premature development of cataracts. Cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which can cause blurred vision, glare and difficulty focusing. Learn more about cataracts and treatment of cataracts. Abnormal Blood Vessels May Cause Glaucoma Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, the nerve that connects your eye to your brain. Risk for glaucoma increases for people with diabetes. Diabetes can lead to the growth of new blood vessels in the body. These abnormal blood vessels are not limited to the retina of the eye. Sometimes, these abnormal blood vessels grow on the iris of the eye and cover the drainage angle. A blocked drainage angle results in accumulation of aqueous humor fluid in the eye, increased pressure in the eye, and, ultimately, a type of glaucoma called neovascular glaucoma. Learn more about glaucoma and treatment of glaucoma. Continue reading >>
Diabetes Mellitus And Diabetic Retinopathy
What is Diabetes Mellitus? Diabetes mellitus, or simply diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood glucose (sugar) levels, either because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. There are three main types of Diabetes Mellitus (DM): Type 1: This results from not making insulin. Type 1 diabetics need insulin, either by self-injection or using an insulin pump. Type 2: This results from insulin resistance, where cells fail to use insulin properly. This is sometimes accompanied by reduced insulin secretion. Patients are treated with diet, exercise, oral medication, or a combination. Type 3: Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes occurring during pregnancy. How is Diabetes Mellitus diagnosed? Diabetes may have symptoms in some people, and no symptoms in others. Generally, Type 1 diabetes presents with increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), and increased hunger (polyphagia). Symptoms may develop over weeks to months. Untreated, this condition may cause a person to lose consciousness and become very ill (diabetic ketoacidosis). Left untreated, glucose can absorb into the lens of the eye, leading to temporary changes in lens shape and vision changes, including blurred vision. Types 2 and 3 diabetes may have minimal symptoms. A single, elevated blood glucose measurement can make a diagnosis, or it may require either single or multiple measurements of blood glucose to determine the degree of impairment of glucose metabolism. Your doctor is the person to help you determine if you might have diabetes. How is Diabetes Mellitus treated? Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease for which there is treatment but no known cure. Treatment is aimed at keeping blood glucose le Continue reading >>
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Eye Conditions
The macula is a part of the retina in the back of the eye that ensures that our central vision is clear and sharp. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when the arteries that nourish the retina harden. Deprived of nutrients, the retinal tissues begin to weaken and die, causing vision loss. Patients may experience anything from a blurry, gray or distorted area to a blind spot in the center of vision. AMD is the number-one cause of vision loss in the U.S. Macular degeneration doesn't cause total blindness because it doesn't affect the peripheral vision. Possible risk factors include genetics, age, diet, smoking and sunlight exposure. Regular eye exams are highly recommended to detect macular degeneration early and prevent permanent vision loss. Symptoms of macular degeneration include: A gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly A gradual loss of color vision Distorted or blurry vision A dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision There are two kinds of AMD: wet (neovascular/exudative) and dry (non-neovascular). About 10-15% of people with AMD have the wet form. "Neovascular" means "new vessels." Accordingly, wet AMD occurs when new blood vessels grow into the retina as the eye attempts to compensate for the blocked arteries. These new vessels are very fragile, and often leak blood and fluid between the layers of the retina. Not only does this leakage distort vision, but when the blood dries, scar tissue forms on the retina as well. This creates a dark spot in the patient's vision. Dry AMD is much more common than wet AMD. Patients with this type of macular degeneration do not experience new vessel growth. Instead, symptoms include thinning of the retina, loss of retinal pigment and the formation of small, round particles inside the retina called dr Continue reading >>
What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic eye disease is a group of different eye conditions that can potentially affect those living with diabetes. Diseases that fall under the diabetic eye disease umbrella include: Each of these conditions present their own unique challenges and require various treatment methods, and they can all lead to severe vision loss, or in some cases, complete blindness if you do not seek treatment from your eye doctor. If you were recently diagnosed with diabetic eye disease, the experienced eye doctors at Ophthalmology Associates of WNY can help to get your symptoms under control. Of the four conditions associated with diabetic eye disease, diabetic retinopathy is the most common. It affects the blood vessels that are located in the back of your eye in the tissue, known as the retina. Diabetic macular edema is also fairly common, as it is a direct result of having diabetic retinopathy. It takes place when the macula, which is located in the retina, begins to swell. Cataracts and glaucoma are also diabetic eye diseases, though they affect other parts of the eye. Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens, while glaucoma is a large group of diseases that can affect the optic nerve in the eye, which consists of a bunch of nerve fibers that are connected directly to your brain. Causes of Diabetic Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy is caused by the conditions in the body that come along with diabetes. Chronically high blood sugar can result in damage being done to the blood vessels that exist within the eye’s retina. This can then lead to a person being diagnosed with diabetic eye disease. Diabetic retinopathy can also lead to a person developing diabetic macular edema, with about half of all people who have diabetic retinopathy developing DME at some point. Cataracts, meanwhil Continue reading >>
Diabetic Eye Disease
Dr. Abraham is director of vitreoretinal and retinovascular services, at Black Hills Regional Eye Institute, in Rapid City, South Dakota. Introduction Diabetes is a common medical problem which affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Over a period of years, high blood sugar will damage small blood vessels in the body and often cause problems such as kidney failure, sensory abnormalities in the hands and feet, and eye problems. The focus of this presentation is to describe how diabetes affects vision, what specific factors contribute to visual loss, and the technological advances that are available today to evaluate and manage diabetic eye disease. Although in the worst cases an individual may suffer permanent loss of vision in one or both eyes, it is important to remember that most diabetics who carefully control their diabetes and get good eye care can prevent many of the visual complications of the disease. Diabetes is present in approximately three percent of Americans, however individuals in special populations such as Native Americans and the elderly are much more likely to suffer from the disease. For example, nearly 50% of some Native American groups are affected, and among the nation's elderly, about 15% are affected. Because one form of diabetes (i.e., adult-onset, or type II diabetes) may be present in a person for several years before the diagnosis is established, some of the preventable complications may already be in the early or moderate stages when the diagnosis is finally made and treatment initiated. What is Diabetes? Diabetes is much more than having an elevated blood sugar level. It is a complex endocrine disorder which can affect many aspects of the body's metabolism which in turn have detrimental effects on a variety of vital orga Continue reading >>
Cataracts, Blindness, And Diabetic Dogs
Diabetic dogs can live healthy lives. Unfortunately, a common complication of diabetes in dogs is cataracts (cloudy lenses). In fact, 75% of dogs develop cataracts and blindness in both eyes within 9 months of being diagnosed with diabetes. The cataracts develop very quickly—sometimes overnight! If untreated, the cataracts cause intraocular inflammation called Lens-Induced Uveitis (LIU) that harms the eyes by causing glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure). If the LIU is uncontrolled and glaucoma develops, cataract surgery might not be possible. Glaucoma causes a chronic headache (similar to a migraine). In worst case scenarios, cataracts form rapidly in both eyes, the lens capsules split/rupture, severe LIU occurs resulting in glaucoma and severe painful intraocular inflammation (phacoclastic uveitis), and both eyes need to be surgically removed. This is a tragic outcome, and one to be avoided if possible. Thus, DO NOT WAIT until your dog’s diabetes is controlled, before seeing an ophthalmologist!! Another very important recommendation is that if your diabetic dog is started on a special canine antioxidant vision supplement BEFORE they develop cataracts, blindness can be prevented in many of these dogs. A 2012 clinical study in Great Britain found that diabetic dogs supplemented daily with this vision supplement did not develop blinding cataracts over a one-year period. This has also been Dr. McCalla’s clinical experience in diabetic dogs, as long as the diabetes remains well-controlled. If cataracts are developing in your diabetic dog, this is an ophthalmic emergency; you must have your pet examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist as soon as possible. To locate a veterinary ophthalmologist near you, please ask your family veterinarian or visit the ACVO website Continue reading >>
How Vision And Diabetes Are Connected
Approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes, and at least 5 million are at risk for eye diseases with diabetes because they don’t know they have the disease. With this lack of education regarding eye diseases and the interaction of vision and diabetes, 12,000 to 24,000 individuals lose their sight each year due to the effects of diabetes on eyes. Eye problems and diabetes go hand in hand because of the way Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes change the body’s use of glucose, or blood sugar. The body regulates and controls glucose using insulin, but if the body doesn’t produce enough insulin (type 1) or cells become insulin resistant (type 2), too much glucose can be in the blood for too long. This excess of sugar in the blood can cause damage to several parts of the body, including the small blood vessels of the eye, which is how vision and diabetes directly affect each other. Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma are a group of eye diseases called Diabetic Eye Disease that affects individuals with diabetes. The most common effects of diabetes on eyes is diabetic retinopathy, or retinopathy with diabetes, and is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among working-age people in the United States. Nearly all patients with type 1 diabetes develop diabetic retinopathy, and almost 25% of those with type 2 diabetes are found to have retinopathy with diabetes at the time that diabetes is diagnosed. What Is Diabetic Retinopathy? When it comes to vision and diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is the major preventable cause of blindness in adults in the United States. Retinopathy with diabetes harms the blood vessels in the retina. The retina is at the back of the eye and sends pictures of what you see to the brain. Diabetes causes the blood vessels to leak blo Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Eye Damage (retinopathy)
One of the most vulnerable parts of the body when it comes to diabetes are the eyes. The eye has many small, sensitive veins that are sensitive to high blood sugars. When parts of the eye can become damaged, like the retina, lens, macula, optic nerve, the resulting condition is called retinopathy or diabetic eye disease. Any type of diabetic eye disease can cause vision loss and blindness. Most eye damage is very treatable, especially when caught early. Seeing spots or floaters Blurred vision Having a dark or empty spot in the center of your vision Difficulty seeing well at night The most important thing to take away from this article is the need for a comprehensive eye exam every year. This is the best way to detect and treat issues before they cause irreversible damage. According to The National Eye Institute, a comprehensive dilated eye exam will check for the following: Changes to blood vessels Leaking blood vessels or warning signs of leaky blood vessels Swelling of the macula (DME) Changes in the lens Damage to nerve tissue The following are the different types of eye diseases or conditions that can develop and more information on each. The retina is very sensitive to light and located at the back of the eye. According to the NIH’s National Eye Institute, the blood vessels in this area are vulnerable to damage from high blood sugar levels. These tiny blood vessels can leak blood and other fluids then the retinal tissue swells resulting in cloudy or blurred vision. This is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes and it is the most common cause of vision loss and blindness in working-age adults. There are often no visual symptoms of diabetic retinopathy until it has progressed past the early stages. This is why the American Diabetes Associatio Continue reading >>
How Diabetes Can Damage Your Eyes
Having diabetes puts you at risk for eye problems. Learn about diabetes-related eye conditions that can threaten your sight and how to avoid them. Type 2 diabetes complications can be widespread, affecting nearly every part of your body. One of the greatest threats is to your eyes. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing serious eye problems than people without diabetes do. Diabetes causes increased inflammation in the body, which is particularly evident in blood vessels both big and small, says Mario Skugor, MD, an endocrinologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Problems with larger blood vessels can cause heart attacks and strokes, he says, while damage to smaller ones, the capillaries, can cause kidney and eye problems. “If you look in the eye of a person with diabetes, you will frequently see the damaged capillaries,” Dr. Skugor says. Successfully managing diabetes and other health conditions and seeing an eye doctor regularly are key to keeping your eyes healthy. Here's what you need to know about diabetes-related eye problems. Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy, a common diabetes complication, is the leading cause of blindness in American adults, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Up to 45 percent of people with diabetes have some form of diabetic retinopathy, according to the National Eye Institute. The retina is the tissue at the back of the eye that perceives light, and keeping it healthy is necessary for clear vision. There are two types of diabetic retinopathy: Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the most common form of retinopathy, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). In mild cases, blood vessels may swell and form fluid filled pouches within the retina. Early on, you may not eve Continue reading >>
Slideshow: Diabetic Retinopathy And Other Diabetes Eye Problems
Yes. You should plan to make regular eye doctor visits when you have diabetes. High blood sugar can lead to problems like blurry vision, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy. In fact, diabetes is the primary cause of blindness in adults ages 20 to 74. Don't buy new glasses as soon as you notice that things look blurry. It could just be a small problem caused by high blood sugar. Your lens could swell, which changes your ability to see. To correct it, you need to get your blood sugar back into the target range (70-130 milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL, before meals, and less than 180 mg/dL 1 to 2 hours after a meal). It may take as long as 3 months for your vision to fully get back to normal. Do tell your eye doctor. She can let you know if this is a symptom of a more serious problem. The lens allows your eye to see and focus on an image, just like a camera. Cataracts cloud your normally clear lens with debris. Anyone can get them, but people with diabetes tend to get them earlier, and they get worse faster. When part of your lens is cloudy, your eye can’t focus like it should. You won't see as well. Symptoms include blurred vision and glare. You’ll need surgery to remove a cataract. The doctor replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial one. Pressure builds up inside your eye when fluid can’t drain like it should. This can damage nerves and blood vessels, and cause changes in vision. Medications can treat open-angle glaucoma, the most common form. They lower eye pressure, speed up drainage, and reduce the amount of liquid your eye makes. (Your doctor will call this aqueous humor.) *CGM-based treatment requires fingersticks for calibration, if patient is taking acetaminophen, or if symptoms/expectations do not match CGM readings, and if not performed, may result i Continue reading >>
Preventing Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic eye disease is actually a group of complications associated with diabetes. They include diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma. All of them can cause serious vision loss or even blindness. Even worsethese conditions sneak up and can catch you off guard. But, early detection, timely treatment, and careful follow-up care may prevent visionloss. Akbar Shakoor, MD ,a specialist at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, talks about these conditions and shares his watch list for all diabetic patients. Uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the retina, the part of your eye that converts light into electrical signals that allow us to see. Damage to these delicate blood vessels can lead to swelling of the macula, the central part of your retina that allows us to see detail. Diabetic retinal damage can also lead to bleeding in the eye, scarring, high eye pressure (glaucoma) and even retinal detachment. Diabetic retinopathy or diabetic retinal damage is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. How can I prevent vision loss from diabetes? Control your blood sugar: Keep your blood sugar in the target range by eating a diet low in sugar and other simple carbohydrates, exercising regularly, and checking your blood sugar often. Make sure to work with your primary care physician, an endocrinologist, and perhaps even a nutritionist. Reliably take insulin or other medications as prescribed by your physician. Maintain a healthy diet: Cook at home using fresh ingredients. Avoid excessive consumption of red meat, and eat your vegetables! Avoid fried foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugary beverages Control your blood pressure: Controlling your blood pressure may protect your eyes from diabetic retinopathy. Get Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Blurry Vision: What You Need To Know
Diabetes and blurry vision Diabetes refers to a complex metabolic disease in which your body either can’t produce insulin, doesn’t produce enough insulin, or simply can’t use it efficiently. All your body’s cells need sugar (glucose) for energy. Insulin helps to break down and deliver sugar to cells throughout your body. Sugar levels build up in your blood if you don’t have enough insulin to break it down. This is known as hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia can negatively affect every part of your body, including your eyes. Blurry vision is often one of the first warning signs of diabetes. Your vision may be blurry because fluid is leaking into the lens of your eye. This makes the lens swell and change shape. Those changes make it hard for your eyes to focus, so things start to look fuzzy. You may also get blurred vision when you start insulin treatment. This is due to shifting fluids, but it generally resolves after a few weeks. For many people, as blood sugar levels stabilize, so does their vision. How can diabetes cause blurry vision? Diabetic retinopathy is a term that describes retinal disorders caused by diabetes. Some of these disorders include macular edema and proliferative retinopathy. Macular edema is when the macula swells due to leaking fluid. The macula is the part of the retina that gives you sharp central vision. Other symptoms of macular edema include wavy vision and color changes. Proliferative retinopathy is when blood vessels leak into the center of your eye. Blurry vision is one of the signs that this is happening. You may also experience spots or floaters, or have trouble with night vision. Blurry vision can also be a symptom of glaucoma, a disease in which pressure in your eye damages the optic nerve. According to the National Eye Institute, i Continue reading >>
