DIABETIC EYE EXAM

Any of these can cause severe vision loss and blindness if not detected and treated:

• Diabetic Retinopathy – This is a disease that affects blood vessels in the retina, the back layer or film of the eye. These blood vessels can leak and cause new blood vessel growth, and lead to blood in the vitreous cavity.
• Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) – This is a possible result of diabetic retinopathy. DME causes swelling in that part of the retina called the macula.
• Cataracts – Adults with diabetes are three to five more likely to develop cataracts (a clouding of the lens)A clouding of the eye’s lens. Adults with diabetes are two to five times more likely to develop cataracts. Cataracts also tend to develop at an earlier age in people with diabetes.
• Glaucoma – Glacuoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. Some types of glaucoma are associated with high pressure inside the eye. Adult diabetes almost doubles the risk of glaucoma.
• Lens –  Diabetes mellitus can affect lens clarity, as well as refractive index and accommodation of the lens. As the glucose level increases in the blood, it does so in the fluid in front of the lens. This can result in an influx of water, which results in a swelling of the lens fibers. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes can show large swings in their vision because of their glucose levels. In fact, quick changes that cause near sightedness can indicate undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes.
• Retinal Detachment- uncontrolled diabetes can lead to tractional retinal detachment which can permanently harm your vision if there is no intervention in a timely manner.