Diabetes Is Leading Cause of Blindness in North AmericaDiabetes affects the entire body, including the eyes. Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of a number of vision-threatening eye problems, and as a result, need to have their eyes examined at least once a year. Your doctor may recommend coming in more frequently, depending on your individual eye health needs. Equipped to Diagnose Eye DiseaseBecause patients with diabetes have a higher chance of developing eye diseases, they need eye exams that take a more thorough approach. See & Be Seen is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to help us detect eye diseases before they cause permanent vision loss. Through digital imaging, we can screen for retinal problems and monitor even the slightest change in your retinal health. What Is Diabetic Eye Disease? We use the term diabetic eye disease to refer to two conditions that only affect people with diabetes: diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Over time, the high blood sugar associated with diabetes damages the blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels can develop leaks as a result of the damage. As blood and fluid leak into the retina, it eventually starts to swell, causing blurred vision. Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness. When diabetic retinopathy is left untreated, it can eventually turn into diabetic macular edema. As fluid continues to leak into the retina, it can fill the macula; the central part of the retina which allows you to read text and recognize facial features. When the macula fills, it starts to swell, distorting central vision. Without treatment, diabetic macular edema can lead to blindness.