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How Does Diabetes Affect Your Eyesight?
Why diabetes can affect your vision, warning signs to know, and simple ways to protect your eyes.
November is National Diabetes Month, a time to learn how diabetes affects your health, including your eyesight. While many people think about blood sugar first, diabetes can also affect the tiny blood vessels inside your eyes.
The surprising part? Eye damage can begin before you notice blurry vision or any other warning signs. That makes regular eye exams an important part of diabetes care.
Why Does Diabetes Affect Your Eyes?
Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. These vessels may leak or become blocked, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetes can also increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. Without timely care, some
diabetes-related eye conditions can lead to lasting vision loss.
What Are the Warning Signs?
Early diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms. As eye problems progress, changes may include:
• Blurry or changing vision
• Dark spots or floating shapes (floaters)
• Trouble seeing clearly at night
• Faded colors or missing areas of vision
If you notice new vision changes, contact an eye doctor. Sudden vision loss, flashes, many new floaters, or a curtain-like shadow over your vision needs urgent medical attention.
How Can You Protect Your Eyes?
Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol can lower the risk of eye damage. Just as important, schedule regular comprehensive dilated eye exams so your eye doctor can look for changes you may not see yourself. Many people with diabetes need an exam about once a year, although the right schedule depends on your diabetes type and eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes and Vision
Can diabetes cause blurry vision?
Yes. Blood sugar changes may temporarily blur vision, while long-term damage to the retina can cause more serious problems.
Can diabetes damage your eyes without symptoms?
Yes. Early diabetic retinopathy often causes no symptoms. A dilated eye exam can find changes before you notice them.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
It is damage to the retina’s blood vessels caused by diabetes. It may lead to vision loss if it progresses.
How often should someone with diabetes get an eye exam?
Often every year. People with type 2 diabetes should have an exam at diagnosis; those with type 1 generally begin within five years. Your doctor may recommend a different schedule.
Can diabetic eye disease be treated?
Yes. Depending on the condition and its severity, treatments may include medication injections, laser treatment, or surgery.
Does controlling blood sugar help protect eyesight?
Yes. Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol can reduce the risk of diabetes-related eye complications.
We’re Here to Help
National Diabetes Month is a good reminder that protecting your vision starts before symptoms appear. If you have diabetes, a comprehensive eye exam can help you understand your eye health and catch potential problems early.
SCHEDULE A DIABETIC EYE EXAM
Medical references
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases:
National Eye Institute: nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/diabetic-retinopathy Medical Information Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat an eye condition. Vision changes can have many causes. Speak with your optometrist, ophthalmologist, primary care provider, or another qualified medical professional for guidance based on your individual health and symptoms.