There are many different forms of diabetes eye damage. This is commonly referred to as diabetic retinopathy. According to the Livestrong foundation, retinopathy is the most common long-term complication associated with diabetes mellitus. Diabetes eye damage occurs when the blood vessels that supply the eye’s retina become damaged, inflamed, leak fluid or experience abnormal growth. The retina is a light-sensitive membrane that coats the back of the eye. When it is not being supplied properly from blood vessels, vision is affected. It is estimated that up to half of diabetic patients who have the disease for ten years experience some degree of diabetes eye damage.

Cataracts are another form of diabetes eye damage. Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes clouded or thickened. People who have diabetes mellitus are at a higher risk of developing cataracts because of the blood vessel damage that so often takes place. …