Patients with Type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk for diabetic eye disease.

Diabetic eye disease is a group of diabetes-related eye conditions:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Diabetic macular edema (DME)

If left untreated, diabetic eye diseases can cause permanent vision damage and even blindness.

Symptoms of diabetic eye disease include:

• Blurry vision
• Floaters (white or translucent visual blockers that come and go)
• Faded, washed-out appearance of colors
• Blank or dark areas in your field of vision

Both forms of diabetic eye disease are treatable. Types of treatment and effectiveness depend on the severity of the condition.

If your blood sugar levels change quickly from low to normal, the shape of your eye’s lens can be affected and your vision can be blurred. Your vision goes back to normal after your blood sugar stabilizes.

When caught early enough, you can prevent diabetic eye disease from taking your vision. That’s why it’s vital to have regular visits with an ophthalmologist or optometrist familiar with diabetes and retina treatment.