Conditions Treated at Empire Eye Physicians

Diabetes can affect all parts of the body, including the eyes. Poorly controlled diabetes may lead to severe eye problems and even blindness. Eye damage from diabetes can appear months or years after blood sugar has been controlled. Vision loss usually can be prevented if diabetic eye problems are detected early and strict control of diabetes is maintained.

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most frequent causes of blindness. However, this form of blindness is completely preventable with proper control of diabetes, and with yearly eye examination through dilated pupils.

Diabetes can cause premature development of cataracts. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, which can cause blurred vision, glare, and difficulty focusing.

Abnormal blood vessels may cause glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, the nerve that connects your eye to your brain. Risk for glaucoma increases for people with diabetes.

Diabetes can lead to the growth of new blood vessels in the body. These abnormal blood vessels are not limited to the retina of the eye. Sometimes, these abnormal blood vessels grow on the iris of the eye and cover the drainage angle. A blocked drainage angle results in the accumulation of aqueous humor fluid in the eye, increased eye pressure, and, ultimately, a type of glaucoma called neovascular glaucoma.