Having type 1 or type 2 diabetes means your body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it as well as it should. When there isn't enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, that can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and vision loss.

We sat down with Dr. Carson Bee at UAB Callahan Eye to answer our questions about diabetes-related eye disease and what you can do to lower your risk. Dr. Bee’s clinical practice focuses on the medical and surgical management of glaucoma in addition to routine and complex cataract surgery. You can see him at UAB Callahan Eye in downtown Birmingham, in addition to our clinics in Gardendale, Pell City, and now Tuscaloosa.

How common is diabetic eye disease?
Diabetic eye disease is extremely common. An estimated 4 million Americans have signs of diabetic eye changes and are at risk of vision loss and blindness.

How does having diabetes put one at greater risk for developing an eye disease?
Diabetes affects all organ systems. High blood sugars can damage the blood vessels in the eye that carry oxygen and nutrients to these vital tissues. Damaged blood vessels can leak, bleed and cause irreversible damage to the ocular tissues.

What are some symptoms that a person may be developing diabetic eye disease?
Blurry vision, peripheral vision loss, floaters and eye pain can all be signs of developing diabetic eye disease.

How do diabetes-related retinopathy and macular edema affect vision?
Diabetic macular edema and retinopathy causes distortion and blurring of your central vision, which is the most important vision we have. Diabetic eye disease can also contribute to glaucoma and cataracts.

With the different types of diabetes, is one type more susceptible to vision loss than the others?
Not particularly. The longer you are diabetic, the higher the risk of diabetic eye disease and associated vision loss. The higher your blood sugar, the higher the risk of vision loss.

How can those with diabetes lower their risk for developing an eye disease?
Controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, along with regular annual eye exams that can identify early signs of diabetic eye disease is recommended for all diabetic patients.