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Type 1 Diabetes: Eye Disease

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common visual complication associated with diabetes. It occurs when the blood vessels leading to the retina of the eye become blocked and/or leak fluid or blood (hemorrhage) into the eye. According to the National Institutes of Health, diabetic retinopathy causes 12,000 to 24,000 new cases of blindness each year. Although the majority of people with type 1 diabetes will experience some degree of retinopathy eventually, early diagnosis and treatment can stop vision loss. The American Diabetes Association suggests that people with diabetes get a dilated eye exam at least annually to detect signs of eye disease early.

Other eye diseases associated with diabetes include:

  • Macular edema. A complication of retinopathy characterized by swelling of the macula that results in blurred vision.
  • Glaucoma. Caused by fluid build-up and consequent high pressure in the eye. Glaucoma has the potential to damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss and severe headache.
  • Cataracts. A clouding of the lens of the idea that results in fuzzy vision and sensitivity to light. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cataracts than the general population.

    Treatment for diabetic eye disease includes laser surgery and vitrectomy (a surgical procedure that involves replacing the vitreous fluid of the eye with another solution). Other positive health changes such as smoking cessation, controlling blood pressure, maintaining healthy blood cholesterol levels, and staying in control of your diabetes by keeping your A1c down also help lower eye risk.

    • Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 4/08

    Last Modified Date: March 24, 2009


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