Eye problems caused by diabetes

Too much glucose (sugar) in the blood for a long time can cause diabetes problems. This high blood glucose (also called blood sugar) can damage many parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, and kidneys. Heart and blood vessel disease can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You can do a lot to prevent or slow down diabetes problems.

This booklet is about eye problems caused by diabetes. You will learn the things you can do each day and during each year to stay healthy and prevent diabetes problems.

Prevent Diabetes Eye Problems?

• Keep your blood glucose and blood pressure as close to normal as you can.
  
• Have an eye doctor examine your eyes once a year. Have this exam even if your vision is OK. The eye doctor will use drops to make the black part of your eyes (pupils) bigger. This is called dilating (DY-lay-ting) your pupil, which allows the doctor to see the back of your eye. Finding eye problems early and getting treatment right awa will help prevent more serious problems later on.

• Ask your eye doctor to check for signs of cataracts and glaucoma. (See Does diabetes cause other eye problems? to learn more about cataracts and glaucoma.)
  
• If you are pregnant and have diabetes, see an eye doctor during your first 3 months.
  
• If you are planning to get pregnant, ask your doctor if you should have an eye exam.
  
• Don't smoke.

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