Complications of diabetes that affect the eyes are many and varied. Fortunately, not everyone with diabetes will develop every complication but it is important to have regular eye exams to monitor the health of your eyes.

Possible Complications

Diabetic Retinopathy

This results from the effects of diabetes on the blood vessels of the retina (at the back of the eye). The blood vessels tend to leak and grow abnormally.

Vitreous Hemorrhage

The abnormal blood vessels on the retina are more likely to bleed into the vitreous (a gel-like material which helps to keep the eye round and firm).

Fluctuating Vision

This accompanies the fluctuation in blood sugar level. Determining the ideal prescription for corrective lenses can be difficult as the refractive error varies. Strict control of blood sugar levels may minimize this complication for some patients.

Retinal Detachment

The retina at the back of the eye may be pulled off causing some of the connections between the eye and the brain to be broken.

Cataract

The lens of the eye is affected by changing concentrations of sugar in the blood. This predisposes the diabetic patient to earlier cataract formation.

Glaucoma

One type of glaucoma is more prevalent in patients with uncontrolled diabetes or severe diabetic retinopathy.

Loss of Night Vision

This may occur following laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy. It may be accompanied by decreased contrast sensitivity making it harder to distinguish between different shades of gray.

Recurrent Corneal Erosions

These recurring abrasions on the cornea are related to the fact that the cornea of diabetic patients is slower to heal. The use of contact lenses by diabetic patients must be considered in light of this complication.

Cranial Nerve Palsies

This means that a nerve, which controls some of the muscles that turn your eye, is not functioning properly. This condition is often temporary for diabetic patients. Full recovery generally occurs in 3 to 4 months with no treatment.