How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes and What You Can Do About It

Diabetes can impact nearly every part of the body, including your vision. High blood sugar levels over time can damage delicate structures in the eye, increasing the risk of serious conditions that may lead to vision loss. Understanding these risks and taking proactive steps can help protect your eyesight for years to come.

How Diabetes Affects the Eyes

When blood sugar levels are consistently high, they can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This can lead to diabetic retinopathy, one of the most common causes of vision loss in adults. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms, but it can progress to more advanced stages that result in blurred vision, dark spots, or blindness if left untreated.

Diabetes can also increase your risk of developing other eye problems, such as:

• Diabetic macular edema: Swelling in the central part of the retina that affects detailed vision.

• Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which can develop at a younger age in people with diabetes.

• Glaucoma: A group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, often related to increased eye pressure.

Why Routine Diabetic Eye Exams Are Essential

Because many diabetic eye diseases can develop without symptoms in the early stages, routine diabetic eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment. Detecting problems early gives you the best chance of preserving your vision and avoiding more serious complications in the future.

An annual diabetic eye exam allows your optometrist to check for even the smallest changes in the retina before vision is affected. These exams also help monitor the progression of diabetic eye disease over time, ensuring that any changes are addressed promptly. If treatment is needed, we can recommend timely options such as laser therapy or medications to prevent vision loss. Our diabetic eye exams include a thorough retinal evaluation, often using advanced imaging technology, to identify and track even subtle changes in your eye health.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Vision

While diabetes increases your risk for vision problems, there are steps you can take to protect your eyes:

• Manage your blood sugar: Keep blood glucose levels within your target range.

• Control blood pressure and cholesterol: Both can contribute to eye damage if left unchecked.

• Quit smoking: Smoking can worsen diabetic complications.

• Schedule annual diabetic eye exams: Even if your vision seems fine, early detection is key to preventing permanent damage.

Safeguard Your Vision Today 

Diabetes doesn’t have to mean losing your vision - but it does require vigilance. With consistent blood sugar control, healthy lifestyle habits, and regular diabetic eye exams, you can protect your eyesight and catch any potential problems early.

Schedule your diabetic eye exam with Texas State Optical to ensure your eyes stay healthy for years to come. Visit our office in Humble, Texas, or call (281) 360-5151 to book an appointment today.