Why does diabetes affect your eyes?

Eye complications are very common with people who suffer from diabetes. While some people with diabetes will develop blindness, most will suffer minor eye complications. The earlier eye problems are discovered, the more likely they will not become serious.

Almost everyone with diabetes will at some time have some form of retinopathy which is a disorder of the retina. There are two forms of retinopathy: nonproliferative and proliferative. Nonproliferative retinopathy is the most common. When this happens, capillaries in the back of the eyes balloon, forming pouches. Proliferative retinopathy is a very serious condition that takes several years to progress. Blood vessels become very damaged and close off. Because of this, new, weaker blood vessels form and leak blood. This causes what is called a vitreous hemorrhage.

Also, people with diabetes are 40% more likely to develop glaucoma. This occurs when pressure builds up in the eyes. Vision decreases because the retina and nerves become damaged.

In addition, people with diabetes are 60% more likely to develop cataracts. Cataracts is caused when the lens of the eye turns cloudy.