1. Type 2 Diabetes: Learn the Warning Signs
2. Diabetes and Foot Problems Slideshow
3. Take the Diabetes Quiz!

In this Article

• Eye problems and diabetes introduction
• Cataracts and diabetes
• Glaucoma and diabetes
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Preventing eye problems with diabetes
• When to contact your doctor about eye problems in diabetes
• Find a local Eye Doctor in your town
• Diabetes and Eye Problems Index

The American Diabetes Association offers these eye care guidelines for people with diabetes to help prevent eye problems:

• People with type 1 diabetes should have a dilated eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist within three to five years after diagnosis.
• People with type 2 diabetes should have a dilated eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist shortly after diagnosis.
• Annual eye exams should be done with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes by an ophthalmologist or optometrist; more frequently if necessary.
• When considering pregnancy, women with a history of diabetes should have an eye exam prior and during pregnancy. This does not pertain to women with gestational diabetes.

To prevent eye problems in diabetes, you should:

• Control your blood sugar
• Control high blood pressure

If you have diabetes, contact your doctor about any eye problems in if any of the following occur:

• Black spots in your vision.
• Flashes of light.
• "Holes" in your vision.
• Blurred vision.

SOURCES:
American Diabetes Association: "Eye Disease."
American Diabetes Association: "Mental Heatlh Problem Linked to Diabetes."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Take Charge of Your Diabetes."
Colucciello, M. Arch Ophthalmol 2005; 123:1273. Hernandez, C. Diabetes Care, 2006; 29:2028.
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on May 18, 2012
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