What is Diabetic Eye Disease?

Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye problems that can affect people with diabetes:

Over time these conditions can cause poor vision or blindness.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy damages the blood vessels in the back of the eye. It is a leading cause of blindness in adults.

Diabetic retinopathy may have no symptoms in its early stages. In later stages, you may see dark spots or streaks caused by blood that has leaked into the gel in your eye.

Preventing and Treating Diabetic Eye Disease

Managing your diabetes is the best way to lower your risk of diabetic eye disease. Controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol also help.

If you have diabetes, you should have an eye exam every year. Diabetic eye disease does not always cause symptoms at first; an eye exam can catch it early, when it is easiest to treat.

In the early stages of diabetic eye disease, your doctor may simply monitor your eyes. In later stages, treatments can include injections, laser treatment and surgery. Learn more here.

Make an appointment today by calling 800-4-SIGHT-2 (800-474-4482).

Guthrie’s retina specialists diagnose and treat diseases such as uveitis, retinal tears and retinal detachments, and macular conditions.

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