Diabetic Eye Exams in La Quinta

A cataract is a cloudy spot that develops on the eye’s normally clear lens. The cataract prevents light from easily entering the eye, causing hazy or blurry vision. Cataracts are a natural part of aging, but diabetes can increase your risk of developing cataracts at a younger age.

Learn more about managing cataracts.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye disease linked to diabetes. Elevated blood sugar levels weaken blood vessels in the eye, leading to bleeding and fluid leakage. The abnormal blood vessels can cause retina swelling or scarring.

As a result, diabetic retinopathy can cause:

• Blurry vision
• Eye floaters & spots
• Retinal detachment

Increased eye pressure (glaucoma)

Diabetic macular edema is often a complication of diabetic retinopathy. When elevated blood sugar levels weaken blood vessels, the vessels bleed or leak into the eye. The excess fluid affects macula function and health, causing swelling and tissue thickening.

The macula is the central part of the retina responsible for seeing color and fine details. When the macula is damaged, it can cause:

• Decreased central vision
• Distorted images & sizes

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that cause progressive damage to the optic nerve, a bundle of nerve fibers responsible for transmitting visual signals to the brain. Diabetes nearly doubles your risk of developing open-angle glaucoma.

With diabetic retinopathy, raised blood sugar levels weaken blood vessels in the eye. The abnormal blood vessels bleed or leak. The excess fluid increases eye pressure, pressing on the optic nerve. Over time, the loss of nerve fibers decreases vision, resulting in blindness.

Learn more about glaucoma.