Eye problems that can occur commonly due to diabetes are called Diabetic Eye Disease. It includes Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Macular Edema, Cataract, and Glaucoma.

Diabetic Retinopathy – In diabetes, the walls of the blood vessels of the retina get damaged, form pouches, and eventually leak blood and fluid in the retina. Abnormal new vessels may grow on the surface of the retina. Vessels may also get blocked.

Diabetic Macular Edema – When fluid and blood accumulate in the retina and cause it to swell, it is called macular edema.

Cataract – People with diabetes tends to get cataract at a younger age. These cataracts have a tendency to progress faster.

Glaucoma- Diabetes increases the chance of having glaucoma.

At first diabetic eye diseases can cause no symptoms or mild visual problems. As conditions progress, patients may see black spots or floaters, have progressive dimness of vision, and may even end in blindness. The longer the duration of diabetes and the less controlled, the more are the chances of developing eye problems.

To reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related eye problems, good control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipids, regular eye checkups, and early intervention (when advised by eye specialists) are very much necessary.

About the author- Dr. Suchanda Sar, Senior Consultant, Disha Eye Hospitals