Diabetes can effect the eyes in many ways, one being diabetic retinopathy. This effects 80% of people who have been diabetic for 10+ years. Research shows that more than 90% of these new cases could be reduced with proper monitoring and treatment by an eye care professional. For this reason it is recommended for diabetics to have a YEARLY DILATED EYE EXAM.

Diabetic retinopathy affects the small blood vessels of the eyes, causing them to become leaky and bleed within the eyes. This is a painless process and can cause sudden, and sometimes irreversible damage to the eyes (especially in the case of macular edema - damage to the central vision).

Diabetics should be vigilant in controlling their blood sugar levels to avoid diabetic retinopathy. It should also be noted that if the blood vessels within the eyes are being damaged, one can assume that the same is happening in all other parts of the body that contains tiny blood vessels.  Treatment for diabetic retinopathy typically involves laser treatments to the retina, or injections of medication into the affected eye.

Other complications of diabetes in the eyes include cataracts, glaucoma and dry eyes.