Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults. It affects the tiny blood vessels in the retina, which can be easily damaged by high blood sugar and high blood pressure. In its early stages, symptoms are not noticeable.

"Patients can have changes in their eyes of which they’re unaware. They may have totally normal vision but still have changes. So that’s why it’s important for patients to have their eyes examined once a year," says Karen Gehrs, M.D., UI Health Care ophthalmologist.

As it worsens, symptoms may include blurred vision and blindness. That’s why University of Iowa Gealth Care specialists say people with diabetes need to keep blood pressure and blood sugar levels under control.

"People who are diagnosed with the diabetes within the last five years, really, as long as they stay on top of things and control their diabetes, their chances of having severe vision loss are quite low,’ says Gehrs. "And even their chances of having moderate vision loss are pretty low as long as they’re really diligent."

Laser surgery is the best treatment for diabetic retinopathy. Eventually, medications may be available to limit eye damage caused by diabetes.

Studies show 50-percent of people with diabetes don’t get their recommended yearly eye exam. For more information, visit http://www.uihealthcare.com/eyecare/.

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Diabetic retinopathy

Karen Gehrs, M.D.