You may experience light sensitivity, blurry vision, and distorted colors. Studies suggest that antioxidants in the diet may lower risk for developing cataracts. Smoking also contributes to the development of cataracts. Your vision may become blurred and night vision impaired. All people with diabetes should have an eye exam with dilated pupils at least once a year.
Laser surgery can help shrink abnormal vessels in the early stages of the disease.
It can be diagnosed with a tonometer test to measure pressure in the eye, by dilating the pupil to look at the optic nerve, and by visual field testing. Glaucoma often can be treated with eye drops to reduce elevated pressure or sometimes by laser or conventional surgery. Alcohol may also deplete the body of antioxidants. High levels of saturated fats and cholesterol harm blood vessels and are also involved in producing free radical reactions that can damage the macula. The cells of the macula are highly sensitive to sunlight.