Keep Your Vision in Sight
Diabetes Can Cause Blindness
In a healthy eye, small vessels deliver blood to the retina. The retina sends signals to the brain, and those signals become the images we see.
Diabetes can damage those blood vessels, causing them to swell or leak. They can also close off entirely, and sometimes new blood vessels form. This is called diabetic retinopathy and is the No. 1 cause of blindness among working-age adults. Four in ten people with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy. The damage occurs slowly, so many people aren’t aware of the problem until vision is lost.
Screening for diabetic retinopathy can catch the problem while it is still treatable. Screening is quick, simple and painless. It can save your vision.
Don't wait! Discuss screening with your eye care specialist or Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System provider.
How Often Should You Get Tested?
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Type 1 diabetes
First exam: Within 5 years of diabetes diagnosis
Follow-up exams: Yearly if no signs of retinopathy -
Type 2 diabetes
First exam: At the time of diabetes diagnosis
Follow-up exams: Yearly if no signs of retinopathy -
Pregnancy and Diabetes (type 1 and 2)
First exam: Early in the first trimester
Follow-up exams: Follow your eye doctor’s recommendation
Important Questions to Consider
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Why do I need this exam?
People with diabetes can lose their vision. Often, a patient might not notice any changes in their vision until it is too late.
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Does this replace my current eye exam?
No, this checks for changes in eyes due to diabetes and is in addition to a regular eye exam. If you are experiencing any issues with your eyes or vision, you should see an eye care provider.
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Can I have this exam if I have cataracts?
The retinal camera can image through most cataracts and obtain a clear enough photo for the machine to read.
Your Next Steps
Experts say patients with diabetes have a 90% chance of keeping their vision if they get regular eye screenings. If you have a current diabetes diagnosis, talk to your Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System primary care provider about receiving this exam. Your primary care provider can coordinate care with your eye care specialist through this exam or assist you with identifying an external eye care partner.
More Information on Diabetic Retinopathy: