Diabetes is a disease that affects the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin in amounts sufficient to control blood sugar levels. People with any type of diabetes can develop hyperglycemia, which is an excess of blood sugar, or serum glucose. Although glucose is a vital source of energy for the body’s cells, a chronic elevation of serum glucose causes damage throughout the body, including the small blood vessels in the eyes.
As a result, if you have diabetes you run the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, in which damage occurs to the delicate blood vessels inside the retina at the back of the eye. You are also at increased risk for developing cataracts (clouding of the normally clear lens in the eye), or glaucoma (a disease that results in damage to the optic nerve).
Diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease, is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the earliest stage of diabetic retinopathy. With this condition, damaged blood vessels in the retina begin to leak extra fluid and small amounts of blood into the eye. Sometimes, deposits of cholesterol or other fats from the blood may leak into the retina. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) occurs when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow on the surface of the retina or optic nerve. The new blood vessels are abnormal and do not supply the retina with normal blood flow. The new vessels are also often accompanied by scar tissue that may cause the retina to wrinkle or detach.
Did You Know?
If you have diabetes and are interested in having LASIK surgery, you may not be a candidate. Diabetes is listed by the FDA as a contraindication to LASIK surgery. Reasons include: unstable glasses needs, altered immune function, poor healing and potential for developing retinal blood vessel problems. Similar concerns are present with other eye surgeries that reduce glasses or contact lens needs. There are many factors to consider if thinking about vision correction and you have diabetes. The best thing to do if you’re considering LASIK surgery is consult with an Eye M.D. who performs refractive surgery to help you better understand your individual risk.
Help Spread the Word!
More than 24 million Americans have diabetes and the number is growing, but only half of them get an annual dilated eye exam. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults, but 90 percent of vision loss can be prevented. An annual dilated eye exam can help prevent vision loss in people with diabetes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has launched EyeSmart EyeCommitted, which encourages people to show their support for the importance of an annual diabetic eye exam. The campaign, which is being promoted through social media channels, features an interactive digital component, or widget. Through this widget, you can actively pledge to get an annual diabetic eye exam or share the pledge and campaign information with friends and family.
In addition, you can:
Read important diabetic eye disease information and watch a new video that tells the compelling stories of two patients with diabetic retinopathy.
Post the digital widget on your preferred social media sites.
Display a digital “badge” on social media pages, to show your support for EyeSmart EyeCommitted. For each pledge, the Academy will commit another $1 to its diabetic eye health education efforts.
Take the EyeSmart EyeCommitted pledge! Visit the EyeCommitted Web page and show your support for the importance of an annual diabetic eye exam.
