Living with diabetes means keeping a close eye on many aspects of your health, including your vision. Over time, high blood sugar levels can quietly damage the delicate blood vessels that keep your retina healthy, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy.
You may also hear this referred to as diabetic eye disease, a broader term that includes other diabetes-related conditions like macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. But for many patients, diabetic retinopathy is the first and most common issue to develop.
So how does it happen? According to Iowa Eye Center physician Dr. Michael Hall, there are two ways that diabetes affects blood vessels in the eye, which can result in vision loss.
The most concerning part is that early diabetic eye disease often comes with no noticeable symptoms.
Additionally, diabetes is increasingly affecting younger people, not just older adults. In recent years, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have become more common among children, teens, and young adults. This shift is especially concerning because the earlier diabetes begins, the longer the body is exposed to high blood sugar levels. The extended exposure increases the risk of long-term complications, including diabetic eye disease.
The good news: with proper care and a few simple habits, you can lower your risk and protect your sight. Our ophthalmologists suggest these five essential steps for patients with diabetes:
1. Manage your blood sugar consistently
The single most important thing is to keep your blood glucose levels within your target range. This reduces the chances of high blood sugar damaging the small blood vessels in the retina. Consistent management—through diet, medication, and monitoring—helps protect not just your eyes, but your overall health.
2. Control blood pressure and cholesterol
Diabetes often goes hand-in-hand with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Both can worsen eye damage by putting added strain on blood vessels. Work with your primary care provider to monitor these numbers and consider lifestyle changes or medications if needed.
3. Adopt healthy lifestyle habits
What’s good for your body is good for your eyes. A balanced diet rich in leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats can support vascular health. Add in regular physical activity and avoid smoking, both of which improve circulation and reduce inflammation that can contribute to diabetic eye disease.
4. Be alert to vision changes
While early diabetic eye disease is often symptomless, don’t ignore any changes in your sight. If you notice blurred vision, dark spots, floaters, or trouble seeing at night, schedule an eye exam as soon as possible. These may be early warning signs that need prompt attention.
5. Schedule annual dilated eye exams
A comprehensive, dilated eye exam is the only way to detect diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions in their earliest stages. During this exam, your eye doctor uses special drops to widen (or dilate) your pupils, allowing a clear view of the retina at the back of your eye.
This detailed look is the only way to spot early damage to the tiny blood vessels in your retina—changes that could indicate diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, or other complications before you experience any symptoms. Without dilation, these warning signs can easily go undetected until the disease has progressed.
Even if your vision seems fine, yearly exams are a critical part of your diabetes care routine. Your eye doctor can monitor changes over time and recommend treatment if needed.
Protect your vision for the long term
When it comes to living with diabetes, your eyes deserve just as much attention as your blood sugar levels. With a proactive approach and regular care, you can significantly reduce your risk of vision loss from diabetic eye disease.
To schedule an exam with one of our Iowa Eye Center ophthalmologists, contact us. We’re here to help you keep your vision clear and your eyes healthy—for today, and for the future.
