An annual exam protects your sight.

Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye conditions caused by diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. These conditions can damage vision and may lead to blindness if left untreated.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. It is one of the most common causes of vision loss among adults with diabetes.

Diabetic macular edema occurs when damaged blood vessels leak fluid into the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. DME can cause blurry vision, difficulty reading, and permanent vision loss if untreated.

Yes. Diabetes is a leading cause of preventable blindness. However, early detection and treatment can dramatically reduce the risk of severe vision loss.

Yes. Many patients have diabetic retinopathy for years without noticing any changes in vision. Significant damage can occur before symptoms develop.

This is why annual diabetic eye examinations are essential.

Symptoms may include:

• Blurry vision
• Fluctuating vision
• Floaters
• Dark spots
• Distorted vision
• Difficulty reading
• Poor night vision
• Vision loss

Many patients have no symptoms during the early stages.

Most patients with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye examination at least once every year.

Some patients with diabetic retinopathy may require more frequent examinations.

Dilation allows your ophthalmologist to examine the retina and identify early diabetic damage that may not be visible without dilating the pupils.

Yes. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema.

Prediabetes generally causes less retinal damage than diabetes, but elevated blood sugar levels can still affect vision and increase long-term risk.

There is no single blood sugar level that causes diabetic eye disease. However, consistently elevated blood glucose levels increase the risk of retinal damage over time.

Good diabetic control is one of the best ways to protect vision.

Yes. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and slow progression of existing disease.

Patients should work with their primary care physician or endocrinologist to establish individualized A1C goals. In general, better long-term glucose control is associated with a lower risk of diabetic eye complications.

Yes. High blood pressure can worsen diabetic retinopathy and increase the risk of vision-threatening complications.

Yes. Elevated cholesterol levels may contribute to retinal damage and increase the risk of diabetic macular edema.

In some cases, early diabetic retinal changes may improve with excellent blood sugar control. However, advanced retinal damage is often permanent, making early detection critically important.

Treatment options may include:

• Observation
• Blood sugar control
• Anti-VEGF injections
• Retinal laser treatment
• Vitrectomy surgery

The best treatment depends on the severity of disease.

Anti-VEGF medications help reduce retinal swelling and abnormal blood vessel growth. These injections are commonly used to treat diabetic macular edema and advanced diabetic retinopathy.

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable retinal injections are. The eye is thoroughly numbed before treatment, and the procedure usually takes only a few minutes.

PRP laser treatment is used to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth in advanced diabetic retinopathy and lower the risk of severe vision loss.

A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove blood, scar tissue, or other abnormalities from inside the eye when diabetic retinopathy becomes advanced.

Yes. Even after successful treatment, diabetic retinopathy can recur. Ongoing monitoring is essential.

Yes. Patients with diabetes often develop cataracts at an earlier age and may experience faster cataract progression.

Yes. Patients with diabetes have a higher risk of glaucoma compared to the general population.

Changes in blood sugar levels can temporarily alter the shape and focusing ability of the eye's natural lens, causing fluctuations in vision.

Blood sugar fluctuations, diabetic macular edema, dry eye disease, and other diabetes-related eye conditions can contribute to blurry morning vision.

Weight loss, improved nutrition, exercise, and better blood sugar control may help reduce the risk of diabetic eye complications and improve overall health.

Rapid improvements in blood sugar can occasionally cause temporary changes in diabetic retinopathy. Patients starting these medications should continue regular eye examinations and discuss any vision changes with their ophthalmologist.

The best protection includes:

• Annual dilated eye exams
• Good blood sugar control
• Blood pressure control
• Cholesterol management
• Regular medical care
• Early treatment when needed

Contact your ophthalmologist immediately if you experience:

• Sudden vision loss
• New floaters
• Flashes of light
• Dark spots
• Distorted vision
• A curtain or shadow in your vision

These symptoms may indicate a serious retinal problem requiring urgent treatment.

At May Eye Care Center, we provide comprehensive diabetic eye examinations, advanced retinal imaging, diabetic retinopathy screening, diabetic macular edema evaluation, and coordinated care with primary care physicians and endocrinologists. Our goal is early detection, timely treatment, and preservation of vision for patients throughout Hanover, York, Gettysburg, Adams County, Carroll County, and surrounding communities.