Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that
people with diabetes may face as complications. All can cause
severe vision loss or even blindness. Fortunately, diabetic eye
disease often can be treated before vision loss occurs. All
people with diabetes should have a dilated eye exam at least
once a year. Diabetic eye diseases include: Diabetic retinopathy
is the most common eye disease in persons with diabetes. People
with diabetes are also at risk for other diabetic eye diseases,
such as: Cataract. A clouding or opaque area develops over the
lens of the eye--an area that is normally transparent. As this
thickening occurs, it prevents light rays from passing through
the lens and focusing on the retina-- the light sensitive tissue
lining located in the back of the eye. Persons with diabetes are
twice as likely to develop a cataract. Glaucoma. Increase in
fluid pressure inside the eye that leads to optic nerve damage
and loss of vision. People with diabetes are also twice as
likely as other adults