“What is the prognosis of diabetic eye disease?”
My mother has had diabetes for the last 30 years. Recently, she has been complaining of poor vision. Is it diabetic eye disease?
9 Answers
She needs to see an Ophthalmologist ASAP. Diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S.
The longer someone has diabetes, especially if it isn't well controlled, the more likely diabetes will cause damage to the eye. It is recommended that all diabetics have a yearly medical dilated eye examination. This will also pick up other things that can cause poor vision, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and even eye strokes. Your eye health is an important part of your overall health. Please have her see an ophthalmologist for a medical eye exam--this is usually covered by medical insurance, not vision insurance. Good luck to you! If you are in my area I would be happy to see your mom and answer all your questions.
Diabetes can affect multiple different structures in the eye which may result in vision loss. All patients with diabetes need a dilated eye exam to look for diabetes related damage including diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina). Multiple treatments are available
First, I recommend a full-evaluation with her ophthalmologist to properly diagnose this condition. The symptoms of diabetic eye disease are floaters, blurriness, and difficulty with identifying colors. If untreated, diabetic eye disease may lead to blindness.
Dennis Breene
Ophthalmologist
Without a thorough eye exam it is not possible to say if your mother's symptoms are related to diabetes. Having said that, the longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they will have diabetic changes in their eyes. The majority of patients do well, particularly if they can maintain excellent control of their blood sugar. All patients with a diagnosis of diabetes should be evaluated with a thorough eye exam regularly, and your mother should certainly be seen promptly if she is having symptoms.
Have your mom be seen by a retinal specialist. He will advise whether she has diabetic retinopathy and whether it should be treated by intravitrenous injection or laser to hopefully prevent loss of vision.
Roger Ohanesian, MD
Roger Ohanesian, MD
The risk for developing ocular problems from diabetes increases with the length of time you have had diabetes. With your mom having blurred vision, it could be from diabetes. She needs to have full dilated eye exam.
The prognosis for Diabetic Retinopathy, depends on the stage of the disease. Your mother's poor vision could be due to diabetic retinopathy, or other eye problems like cataract. It is best to have be evaluated immediately by her eye care specialist.
She should be seen by an eye specialist for a thorough check-up. After 25 years, the risks are higher for eye diseases or diabetic eye complications.
