Diabetes is a condition that can interfere with the body's ability to use and store sugar. Diabetes can also, over time, weaken and cause changes in the small blood vessels that nourish the eye's light sensitive retina. When this occurs, it is called diabetic retinopathy. These changes may include leaking of blood, development of brush-like branches of the vessels and enlargement of certain parts of the vessels. Diabetic retinopathy can seriously affect vision and, if left untreated, cause blindness.

Since this disease can cause blindness, early diagnosis and treatment is essential. That's one reason why it is important to have your eyes examined periodically by a doctor of optometry, especially if you are a diabetic or if you have a family history of diabetes.

During a thorough, comprehensive eye examination, your optometrist gets to know you, your family history, your lifestyle and your vision needs.

To detect diabetic retinopathy, your doctor can look inside your eyes with an instrument called an ophthalmoscope, which lights and magnifies the blood vessels in your eyes. The interior of your eyes may also be photographed to provide more information.