Diabetes
Diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of blindness in Americans younger than 65. Diabetes affects the blood vessels throughout the entire body. The blood vessels in the eye are amongst the smallest in body. Diabetes causes the walls of the small blood vessels to leak causing swelling of fluid and blood into the retina. The retina is very sensitive to changes in thickness and a small change in thickness represents a significant change or loss of vision. In the advanced stages of diabetic eye disease, new blood vessels grow in various parts of the eye that can cause blindness and glaucoma.
It can take several years of being diabetic before any diabetic eye disease develops, however, it is recommended that a diabetic receive an annual dilated eye exam. Thankfully, diabetic eye disease can be prevented and controlled by the patient. Close, strict blood sugar and blood pressure maintenance along with good diet and exercise can limit the effect of diabetes in your eye and body and help you maintain clear vision for life.