Diabetes is the leading cause of vision loss in people 18-64 years of age

Often with no obvious signs, symptoms or pain

An annual comprehensive eye exam is critical for prevention and early detection of diabetes and related eye complications. Diabetes affects the tiny blood vessels in the retina (the back of the eye), which our eye doctor examines during an eye exam. This is the primary way diabetes is detected—often long before you even experience other symptoms.

Diabetic Retinopathy is the most common and serious condition associated with diabetes. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can result in blindness.

Symptoms
Often none.

Treatment
Good control of your diabetes, including controlled blood glucose levels. Other treatments may include medications, laser treatment, or surgery.

The longer you have diabetes, and the less well-controlled your blood sugar is, the more quickly diabetic retinopathy develops.

To protect your vision, take prevention seriously. Start by carefully controlling your blood sugar level and keeping your yearly (or more frequently, if needed) eye exams. Some diabetic eye diseases have no signs or symptoms until they are too obvious to ignore. In fact, it’s uncommon to have symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision
• Dark ‘Spots’ or empty areas in your vision
• Flashes of light
• Difficulty with color perception
• Poor night vision
• Spots or dark strings floating in your vision (floaters)