5. DIABETIC EYE DISEASE
What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye problems people with diabetes may face as a complication of
diabetes, all of which can lead to blindness if left untreated.
Diabetic eye disease includes:
Cataract, which causes clouding of the
lens of the eye
Diabetic Retinopathy, the most
common form of diabetic eye disease,
which damages the blood vessels in
the retina
Glaucoma which causes damage to the
optic nerve that affects peripheral or
side vision.
Who is at risk of developing diabetic
eye disease?
People with all types of diabetes (type 1, type 2,
and gestational) are at risk for diabetic
retinopathy.
Risk increases the longer a person has diabetes.
Women who develop or have diabetes during
pregnancy may have rapid onset or worsening of
diabetic retinopathy
1 in every 3 diabetics develop diabetic
eye disease
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