What eye diseases can diabetes cause?
Many people with diabetes develop diabetic retinopathy. It can lead to poor vision and even blindness. Retinopathy can also cause macular edema. Swelling of the macula can make vision much worse.
People who have diabetes are also at risk for other problems that damage vision. These include:
- Cataracts.
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Cataracts are often caused by a lifetime of sun exposure. Diabetes makes them form faster.
- Glaucoma.
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People with diabetes are also at risk for a severe form of glaucoma called neovascular glaucoma.
Diabetes and vision problems: Is it safe to exercise?
It's important to stay as active as you can, even if you have vision problems from diabetes. But first ask your doctor what physical activities are safe for you to do. If you bend, lift things, or move fast, it may affect your health or vision, especially if you have diabetic retinopathy.
After you know whether or not you need to avoid any activities, find some things that you like to do and make them as safe as possible. For example:
- Ask a friend to read you the instructions for a new exercise and to check your technique.
- Walk with someone who can help look for things that may be a danger.
- If you swim laps, use a pool that has ropes between the lanes.
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