Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness in North America. A free health screening is the first step toward detection, but an annual dilated eye exam by an eye care professional is a must for people with diabetes. Symptoms of diabetes include excessive hunger and thirst, frequent drowsiness, sudden weight loss and excessive urination. However, millions of people have diabetes and are unaware of their condition, as symptoms may be few. Although there is no cure for diabetes, good control of blood sugar with insulin injections along with diet and exercise can help prevent health complications associated with diabetes.
Diabetes can cause multiple health problems and can affect the eyes in various ways.
People with diabetes have a greater chance of developing cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, which is the leading cause of blindness in American adults. More than 25,000 Americans with diabetes lose their sight from diabetic retinopathy each year Diabetic retinopathy weakens and causes changes in the small blood vessels that nourish the retina, the delicate, light-sensitive lining of the back of the eye. These blood vessels may begin to leak, swell or develop fragile new branches. The early stages of the disease may cause blurred vision, and as it progresses, cloudy vision or blind spots. Vision rehabilitation can help people affected with this disease, however.