Signs of diabetic eye problems

Posted on November 7, 2024 in Healthy You

Everyone – but especially people with diabetes – should pay attention to any changes to their eyesight. Diabetic eye problems can be serious, but when you find them early, you and your eye doctor can manage them well. Here's what you need to know about diabetic eye diseases, including the warning signs and how to protect your vision.

Why diabetes affects your eyes

Diabetes disrupts your body's ability to manage blood sugar. Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels throughout your body, including those in your eyes. This can lead to a group of eye problems known as diabetic eye diseases. Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma are common types of diabetic eye diseases.

Diabetic retinopathy: This is the leading cause of blindness for people with diabetes.¹ Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina (back of the eyeball). Diabetic retinopathy may lead to vision loss if not treated.

Cataracts: People with diabetes are two to five times more likely to develop cataracts¹, which cloud the lens of the eye. High blood sugar speeds up the formation of cataracts, causing sensitivity to light, glare and faded colors.

Glaucoma: Diabetes doubles your risk of open-angle glaucoma.¹ Glaucoma occurs when pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve.

Early detection may save your sight

Diabetic eye diseases often develop slowly and without obvious symptoms in the early stages. That’s what makes regular eye exams so important, even if your vision seems fine. People with diabetes should have yearly exams, ideally with an ophthalmologist or optometrist who specializes in diabetic eye care.² 

Signs of diabetic eye diseases

If you notice any vision changes, talk to your eye doctor immediately. Here are some common warning signs of diabetic eye problems:

• Blurred vision: This can be a general blurring of everything in your vision or difficulty focusing on close-up objects.
• Floaters: These are tiny specks or spots that appear to float in your vision. While occasional floaters are normal, a sudden increase in floaters is not.
• Flashes of light: This may be a sign of bleeding in the back of the eye.
• Wavy or distorted vision: Straight lines may appear wavy or distorted, and this warrants a call to your eye doctor.

Protecting your vision

The good news is that diabetic eye problems are often preventable with good diabetes management. Here’s how to protect your vision:

• Manage your blood sugar levels: This is the single most important step in preventing diabetic eye disease. Work with your doctor to develop a blood sugar management plan that may involve diet, exercise and medication.
• Keep a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing diabetic eye problems.
• Quit smoking: Smoking increases your risk of diabetic eye disease and other serious health issues.
• Get regular eye exams: Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment of diabetic eye problems.

Diabetic eye problems are a serious concern, but you can protect your long-term eye health by managing your blood sugar, adopting healthy lifestyle habits and getting regular vision exams with your eye care professional. Need to find an in-network vision provider near you? Our Find a Provider tool can help.

REFERENCES:

1. National Eye Institute: Diabetic Retinopathy

2. American Diabetes Association: What Can You Do to Protect Your Eyes?

SOURCES:

National Eye Institute: Diabetic Eye Disease Resources

UT Southwestern Medical Center

American Diabetes Association: Taking Charge of Your Diabetes & Eye Health