Diabetic Eye Exams

Diabetes can have devastating effects on vision and eye health. More than 37 million Americans have diabetes, and nearly one in five of them don’t know they have it. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in adults. The most common vision-threatening condition linked to diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, but diabetes also increases the risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye complications. Learn more about how diabetes affects the eyes, diabetes-related eye disease symptoms, causes, prevention, and how to get treatment.

Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye conditions that can affect people with diabetes. The most common and serious form is diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina. Over time, these damaged vessels can swell, leak fluid, or close off entirely, depriving the retina of oxygen. In advanced cases, new but fragile blood vessels may grow, leading to bleeding and vision loss.

Your eye doctor is the only one who can definitively diagnose you with diabetic eye disease. In the early stages, there may be no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are critical. However, if you notice one or more of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment right away.

DIABETIC EYE DISEASE SYMPTOMS

Blurred or fluctuating vision
Dark or empty areas in your field of vision
Floaters (spots or strings drifting in your vision)
Colors appearing faded or washed out
Difficulty seeing at night
Sudden vision loss (in advanced cases)

Because diabetic eye disease can progress silently, yearly dilated eye exams are essential—even if your vision seems fine.

RISK FACTORS FOR DIABETIC EYE DISEASE

Poorly controlled blood sugar
Long duration of diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Pregnancy (can worsen diabetic retinopathy)
Family history of diabetic eye disease

While diabetes cannot always be prevented, you can take steps to protect your eyes and reduce your risk of vision loss.

WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR EYES WITH DIABETES

Keep blood sugar under control through diet, medication, and exercise
Manage blood pressure and cholesterol
Quit smoking
Get a dilated eye exam at least once a year (or more often if recommended)
Stay physically active to improve circulation and eye health
Follow your diabetes care plan closely
Report any sudden changes in vision to your eye doctor immediately

LIVING WITH DIABETIC EYE DISEASE

If you are diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy or another diabetes-related eye condition, lifestyle management and medical treatment are key to protecting your remaining vision.

You can:

Monitor your blood sugar daily
Keep up with all medical appointments (primary care, endocrinology, and eye exams)
Use brighter lighting at home and work
Wear prescription glasses or contacts updated for your current needs
Use magnifiers or large-print materials if reading becomes difficult
Avoid driving at night if vision is impaired