Diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that may occur in people who have diabetes. It causes progressive damage to the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye.

The AOA recommends that everyone with diabetes have a comprehensive dilated eye examination at least once a year. Early detection and treatment can limit the potential for significant vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

• Seeing spots or floaters.

• Blurred vision.

• Having a dark or empty spot in the center of your vision.

• Difficulty seeing well at night.

​​​​​​​Diabetic retinopathy can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. A dilated evaluation of the eye will allow the optometrist to detect if you have diabetic eye disease and the appropriate treatment!