Diabetes is the leading cause of vision loss and irreversible blindness in middle-aged adults in the United States. At least 50% of all diabetics have some degree of diabetic eye disease and the incidence increases steadily with the duration of the disease. Diabetes can affect many structures of the eye, often leading to cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and even retinal detachment. These and other serious complications can develop initially without symptoms, so significant and even permanent damage may be done to the eyes by the time a diabetic patient notices any symptoms.

Treatment of diabetic eye disease varies depending on the structure of the eye involved. Cataract formation is hastened by diabetes and is managed with cataract surgery. Diabetic retinopathy, a disease affecting the small blood vessels within the retina, can often be managed in the clinic with laser or medicine, but sometimes requires surgery as well. Fortunately, the majority of vision loss due to diabetes can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment.

Patients with diabetes, regardless of symptoms, should have an annual eye exam. The eye doctors at Asheville Eye Associates are well trained in the evaluation and diagnosis of diabetic eye problems. Patients may then be referred to our sub-specialists for additional management depending upon the part of the eye involved. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of diabetic eye disease along with aggressive blood sugar and blood pressure control have been shown to reduce both the ocular complications and rate of vision loss in patients with diabetes.

For additional information visit The National Eye Institute (NEI) http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/