Diabetic Eye Exams

Diabetes can cause an ocular condition called diabetic retinopathy, which is when high blood sugar levels cause the blood vessels in the retina to weaken and leak.  This can lead to abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, or can evencause the vessels to completely close, preventing blood flow.  All of these changes can cause vision loss.  Poorly controlled blood sugar is increases the risk of developing diabetic eye disease.  

In mild cases, diabetic retinopathy may cause little to no symptoms or vision problems.  However, if the diabetes remains uncontrolled, it can cause blindness.  

Careful management of your diabetes and regular follow up with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist is the best way to prevent vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.  It is recommended that individuals with diabetes get a dilated eye exam annually (or more often for more severe disease) to check the retina.