1. Diabetes can cause harm to your retina which is the lining at the back of the eye. Damage to this part of the eye can
happen slowly over an extended period. Because of the high blood pressure and high blood glucose, the tiny blood vessels can easily be damaged by swelling then becoming weak. Some blood vessels may not let enough blood through because they are clogged. A person may not experience sight problems as these changes take place, which is why it is important to have an eye examination once a year.
2. The vitreous is a jelly-like substance that fills the back part of your eye. The blood leaks into the vitreous of your eye As the diabetes retina problems become worse. You may see "floaters" or even total darkness because the blood keeps the light from reaching the retina. Scar tissue may form from the swollen and weak blood vessels. Now, there is a serious problem because this scar tissue can pull the retina away from the back of the eye, detaching the retina and causing flashing lights or spots that float. If you feel this might be the case, you must seek professional help immediately since a detached retina can cause blindness.
3. The lens is located at the front of the eye, and its job is to focus the light which comes into the eye on the retina. During their eye examination, a person with diabetes should ask the eye doctor to check for cataracts. Individuals who have diabetes are more susceptible to getting cataracts at a much earlier age and more often. A cataract is a thin cloud that forms on the lens of your eye and makes everything look cloudy. Surgery can correct this by taking your glass out and putting in a lens similar to a contact lens which stays in the eye all the time. After cataract surgery, an individual can see clearly again.
4. The eye's main nerve to the brain is the optic nerve. Also during the eye examination, your eye care professional should check you for glaucoma. Pressure building up in your eye causes glaucoma which damages the optic nerve. At first, an individual will lose sight from the side of their eyes. Once diagnosed, an individual has two options: the eye care professional may give you drops which will lower the pressure in the eye, or they may suggest laser surgery.
A person with diabetes must be careful to prevent damage to their eyes from the effects of their diabetes. Keeping their blood glucose and blood pressure at the normal range and seeing an eye care professional once a year, can go a long way in protecting their eyesight.