In the past few weeks, we've discussed the most common eye disease of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy. But there are two other eye disorders that are not uncommon in people with diabetes:

• Cataract - Many old people develop a cataract, which is a cloud over the lens of the eye. But people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop a cataract as someone who does not have diabetes, and cataracts tend to develop at an earlier age in people with diabetes, around late middle age.

• Glaucoma - People with diabetes are also twice as likely to develop this condition as other adults. Glaucoma starts from pressure building up inside the eye. Over time, this pressure damages the optic nerve, causing progressive loss of vision. First, sight from the sides of the eyes (called peripheral vision) is lost. Without treatment, vision will be lost entirely.

Both of these conditions may be successfully treated when detected early. In cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed and replaced by a plastic lens. Glaucoma is treated with special drops to lower the pressure in the eye.

Sources:

• NIDDK. Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your eyes healthy. May 2000.
• National Eye Institute. Facts about diabetic eye disease. June 2000.