Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic eye disease is the most common cause of blindness in the United States for
persons age 20 to 74, accounting for almost 80% of all cases of blindness in this group. At
least 50,000 Americans are considered legally blind from this condition. Diabetic eye
disease is responsible for 10% of the new cases of blindness reported annually. It has
been estimated that up to 1/3 of the patients with Diabetes receive no regular eye care.
Early treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy can reduce the chance of severe vision loss by
50-60%.
Common Symptoms
Patients with diabetic eye disease may complain of visual
symptoms or be completely without symptoms. Some symptoms which may indicate the
presence of diabetic eye disease include changes in refractive error, blurred vision,
distorted vision, or double vision. Many patients with diabetic eye disease will experience
no symptoms.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Tis the most serious ocular complication of diabetes. Diabetic
retinopathy occurs when damage to the tiny blood vessels which provide oxygen to the
retina become damaged. The damage allows blood and fluid to escape into the retina and
can also result in new blood vessel growth. These new vessels are even more fragile and
frequently bleed into the vitreous. Patients with the most serious form of diabetic
retinopathy (proliferative) are at a substantial risk for severe visual loss without treatment.
Diagnosis
A comprehensive eye examination is the only method to accurately diagnose
diabetic eye disease. An eye examination with dilation of the pupil will allow the doctor to
examine the retina directly to determine the nature and extent of the diabetic eye disease.
Diabetes most commonly affects the diabetic patient's retina which is the light sensitive
tissue lining the back of the eye. The retina may become damaged by poor circulation or by
leakage of the tiny blood vessels which feed the retina.
Currently laser treatment has been shown to be effective in preventing severe vision loss
in patients with certain forms of Diabetic Retinopathy. Treatment with a laser is a painless
in-office procedure which results in few complications.
Although laser treatment will not always result in improved vision, it can reduce the risk
of developing severe vision loss and progressive vision loss in up to 50% of patients.
Regular eye examinations by your family optometrists will determine whether you have
Diabetic Eye Disease or not. All patients with Diabetes should have a routine
examination with dilated pupils on a regular basis. Regular visits to your family
optometrist will ensure a lifetime of healthy eyes and good vision.
