Diabetic Eye Care

Diabetes can cause changes in nearsightedness, farsightedness and premature presbyopia, which is the inability to focus on close objects, fluctuating or blurry vision, occasional double vision, loss of visual field, and flashes and floaters.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when there is a weakening or swelling of the tiny blood vessels that nourish your eye’s retina, which is the delicate, light-sensitive lining of the back of the eye. You may notice a cloudiness of vision, blind spots, or floaters as the disease progresses or it may produce no visual symptoms at all. It may be treated with laser therapy in its early stages, but surgery may be necessary to preserve sight in other cases.

The best way to prevent vision loss is to maintain control of your diabetes. See your physician regularly and follow her/his instructions about diet, exercise, and medication.

Common Symptoms

Inability to focus on objects
Fluctuating or blurry vision
Flashes and floaters
Loss of Visual Field
Cloudy Vision

Treatment Options

The UEC has optometrists and ophthalmologists on staff as well as a robust network of referring providers. Treatment options include laser therapy or surgery.

Patient Resources or at home actions

What can a patient do at home to manage the condition / disease or prevent it?

Visit your primary physician regularly.
Maintain diet, exercise, and medication as prescribed by doctor
Ensure you see an eye doctor at least annual

To learn more, visit: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/diabetic-eye-disease

Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic Eye Care