Eye

If you're experiencing pain or redness in one or both eyes, pay careful attention to your symptoms. Diabetes can complicate some common eye problems.

Allergies to pollens and dust in the air are the most common cause of red eyes, but this rarely causes pain. An infection that can cause redness or pain is viral conjunctivitis, or "pink eye." Unfortunately, this infection has to run its course. Antibiotics cannot help speed recovery.

For diabetics, serious bacterial infections can start on the surface or behind the eye. These are usually treated with strong antibiotics. A common complaint of patients with either viral or bacterial infections is that they wake up in the morning with their eyelashes sticking together from the pus that has collected over the night.

If you feel eye pressure instead of pain, you may have glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition where too much pressure builds inside the eye. Having diabetes raises your risk of this condition. It can be detected with a simple test: An eye doctor blows a small puff of air (which doesn't hurt) at the surface of the eye. Your doctor may prescribe eyedrops that lower the pressure in the eye. This condition is treatable, especially if it's diagnosed in the early stages. Left untreated, glaucoma can result in blindness.

Because of these concerns, it's important to go for an eye exam annually. Look for an eye doctor who is familiar with the concerns of patients who have diabetes. And make an appointment any time you suspect you may have an infection in your eye.