Signs of diabetic eye problems

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 

---

back to Top

How fall allergies affect oral health

During fall allergy season, most of us picture sneezing, runny noses and itchy eyes. However, seasonal allergies can affect more than just your respiratory system — they can also impact your oral health. Congestion, sore throat, mouth breathing and dry mouth are common allergy symptoms that can lead to dental problems if left unchecked. Here’s how fall allergies might be affecting your mouth and what you can do about it.

Mouth breathing and allergy medications may cause dry mouth

One of the most common seasonal allergy side effects is nasal congestion. When your nose is stuffy, you’re more likely to breathe through your mouth, especially while sleeping. Mouth breathing can cause your mouth to dry out, which reduces saliva production. Saliva is important because it helps wash away food particles and eases harmful acids that can damage tooth enamel.

A dry mouth provides the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, which can increase your risk of cavities, gum disease and bad breath.

Nasal congestion isn’t the only allergy-related cause of dry mouth. Some allergy medications can lead to dry mouth as a side effect. 

What you can do to help: Drinking plenty of water, using a saline nasal spray to clear your nasal passages and using a humidifier may reduce mouth breathing. If you need medication during allergy season, be sure to drink water throughout the day and chew sugar-free gum to keep your mouth moist.

Postnasal drip can cause bad breath

Allergies can also lead to postnasal drip, which happens when extra mucus drains down the back of your throat. This mucus can cause a sore throat and trap bacteria in your mouth. This can also cause bad breath that won’t go away with brushing and flossing alone. 

What you can do to help: Gargling with salt water helps soothe your throat, pulls out mucus and reduces the bacteria that causes bad breath. Using a humidifier will also moisten the air in your home to reduce postnasal drip.

Sinus pressure leads to tooth pain

During allergy season, your sinuses can become swollen and push on the roots of your upper teeth, causing tooth sensitivity or pain.

What you can do to help: If your tooth pain worsens or lasts beyond allergy season, it’s important to see a dentist to rule out any dental problems.

Protect your oral health during allergy season

In addition to the tips above, having a good at-home dental routine where you brush twice a day, floss daily and use a mouthwash to keep your teeth and gums healthy is a good way to prevent oral health problems due to seasonal allergies.

Fall allergies mostly affect your sinuses, but they can also harm your oral health. By staying hydrated, managing congestion and maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, you can reduce the negative effects of allergies on your teeth and gums.

SOURCES:

University of Kentucky Dentistry