Diabetes mellitus is a systemic disease with significant effects in certain organs of the body and the eyes are one of them. Diabetic patients are susceptible to numerous eye ailments more than the non-Diabetic population. Some effects can be avoided with good control of blood sugar whereas others are inevitable after a certain number of years of the disease. Therefore it is highly recommended that diabetics get their eyes examined by a doctor at least once a year to monitor for any changes.
The following eye conditions are seen more frequently in diabetics or at an earlier age than the non-Diabetic population:
Conjunctivitis
Stye
Glaucoma
Early onset of cataract
Diabetic retinopathy
Vitreous haemorrhage
Early presbyopic changes
Diabetic retinopathy is the most dangerous, progressive and insidious form of diabetic eye disease. It is related with the duration of diabetes and severity of diabetes. It may occur without any symptoms in the early stages and can at that time only be diagnosed by examination of the retina by a doctor. Without proper treatment it may lead to permanent loss of vision. All diabetics should have their retina examined at least yearly so that early changes can be recognized and loss of vision prevented.
