Diabetes Complications: Retinopathy, Cataracts, and Glaucoma

Diabetes is a chronic disease that can cause a range of complications, including damage to the eyes. People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Retinopathy is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the part of the eye that senses light. High levels of blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak fluid or bleed. This can lead to swelling and damage to the retina, which can cause vision loss over time. Symptoms of retinopathy can include blurred vision, dark spots or streaks in the vision, and difficulty seeing at night. Treatment for retinopathy may include laser therapy or surgery to prevent further damage to the retina.

Cataracts are a common eye condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, making it difficult to see. People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing cataracts at an earlier age than those without diabetes. High levels of blood sugar can cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, leading to vision problems. Treatment for cataracts involves surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens.

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. High levels of blood sugar can increase the risk of developing glaucoma. Symptoms of glaucoma can include blurred vision, eye pain, headaches, and nausea. Treatment for glaucoma may include eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery to lower eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

Regular eye exams are an important part of diabetes management. Early detection and treatment of eye problems can help prevent vision loss and other complications. People with diabetes should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, or more frequently if recommended by their eye doctor.