Uncontrolled diabetes is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States. Diabetes, a condition of too much sugar in the blood, can cause circulatory damage throughout the body, including the eyes. Diabetic Retinopathy is the result of damage to small blood vessels that nourish the eye’s retina. Often there are no visual symptoms associated with early stages of diabetic retinopathy; however, if left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause permanent blindness.

Because early detection and treatment can reduce the potential of blindness, both the American Optometric Association and the American Medical Association recommend all diabetics have a thorough, dilated eye examination once a year.