Guide To Common Eye Problems In Seniors And What To Do About Them

Diabetic Eye Disorders

Seniors with diabetes should carefully manage their blood sugar levels to prevent diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. High blood glucose can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes and block the pathways that nourish the retina. When the eyes try to grow new blood vessels, they do not develop properly and leak easily, and the result is impaired vision. Diabetic retinopathy can also be the cause of other eye conditions, including macular degeneration and macular edema. Retinal detachment can also occur.

Certain factors along with diabetes increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy, including the length of time someone has had diabetes, blood sugar instability, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pregnancy, smoking, and being African American, Hispanic, or Native American. Treatment depends on the type of diabetic retinopathy and may include no treatment, monitoring, or surgery.