Diabetes & The Eye

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults in the United States.  A dilated eye exam is the only way to detect changes inside the eye before loss of vision begins. Patients with diabetes should have a complete dilated eye examination at least once a year. If early diabetic disease is found in the eye, treatment can be performed to prevent loss of vision in most cases. 

Later stages of diabetic disease may cause the following symptoms:

• Blurry or distorted vision
• Floaters
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Sudden visual loss

The best way to prevent diabetic eye disease is through strict control of blood sugar and blood pressure. With annual eye exams and prompt treatment of diabetic disease, few patients progress to serious vision loss.

If you have diabetes or need to be screened for diabetic eye changes, please call to schedule your appointment for a dilated eye exam with Dr. Nijm today at 630-393-7100.