Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may face as a complication of diabetes. All can cause severe vision loss or even blindness. People with diabetes may get diabetic retinopathy, cataracts at an earlier age, and have a higher risk of developing glaucoma.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels may swell and leak fluid or blood. In other people abnormal new blood vessels may grow on the surface of the retina and cause severe hemorrhages and retinal detachments. The retina is the nerve layer of the eye that gives sight, so any form of damage will cause vision loss.

In the majority of cases a team of physicians is required to properly manage patients with diabetes. As Optometrists, many times considered "the family eye doctor" we are uniquely positioned to manage the ocular manifestations of diabetes. In fact many times diabetes is first diagnosed through the routine eye exam. Our doctors communicate with the family internist, endocrinologist, and when necessary the retinal specialist.