Learn about common diabetic eye diseases and how to manage your vision health when you have diabetes.
June 27, 2024
Written by
Katherine Solem
Expert review by
Siddarth Rathi, MD
Learn about common diabetic eye diseases and how to manage your vision health when you have diabetes.
June 27, 2024
Written by
Katherine Solem
Expert review by
Siddarth Rathi, MD
One key aspect of managing diabetes and preventing complications is taking care of your eyes. Having diabetes increases your risk for vision problems and eye diseases. But with good blood sugar control and regular medical care, you can prevent or delay vision problems. When issues do develop, catching and treating them early leads to better outcomes.
Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to control the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Over time, high blood sugar weakens and damages blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes. High blood sugar can also damage the lens of the eye, harm vision, and lead to blindness.
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Having diabetes increases your risk of several types of eye conditions. These are commonly grouped together and called diabetic eye disease. Early detection and treatment can prevent most vision loss from these diseases.
This is the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. The vessels can become weak and leak fluid into the eye. Sometimes, new blood vessels grow in their place. Scar tissue from these damaged vessels can form in the retina. Over time, they can start to pull on the retina, which can lead to retinal detachment.
Diabetic macular edema (DME) occurs when blood vessels leak into a part of the retina called the macula. The macula is needed for sharp, central vision. It allows you to have clear vision for things like reading, driving, and seeing people’s faces. Leaking of blood in the macula causes swelling and blurred vision. About 1 in 15 people with diabetes will develop DME.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that result from too much pressure on the optic nerve. The optic nerve takes signals from the eye to the brain. Abnormal vessels can form as part of diabetic retinopathy and block the drainage pathway in the eye. The increased fluid puts pressure on the optic nerve.
Cataracts are when the lens in the eye becomes cloudy, making it hard to see. They are common as you get older, but they form faster and at a younger age in people with diabetes. High blood sugar leads to fluid entering the lens in the eye and making it cloudy earlier than normally occurs as part of aging. The cloudy fluid makes your vision blurry and is called a cataract.
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In addition to diabetic eye disease, other vision problems can occur from diabetes.
When blood sugar levels change quickly, they can cause the lens in the eye to swell. This can cause blurry vision. Your vision will go back to normal once your blood sugar levels stabilize. This can happen when blood sugar is poorly managed. It can also happen when you’re adjusting medication or changing your diabetes care plan.
If you are getting your vision checked for a new prescription, test your blood sugar first to make sure your levels are stable and within range. Otherwise, your prescription might be wrong.
Diabetes can also damage the nerves that control the eyes. These nerves help the eyes move in the same direction and at the same speed. When these nerves become damaged, you can experience double vision.
According to the CDC, more than 90% of vision loss caused by diabetes can be avoided with early detection and treatment. Here’s how to take care of your eyes.
Managing blood sugar is key to feeling good and preventing complications from diabetes. Work with your doctor to establish a diabetes care plan. This includes:
Conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol can also impact your eye health and diabetes. Work with your doctor to treat these issues. Your doctor may recommend you take medication. Eating healthy, exercising, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can also help treat these issues.
It’s important to get your eyes checked regularly when you have diabetes. This exam is called a dilated eye exam. These exams help your eye doctor monitor changes in your eyes and vision. It also helps them catch problems early when treatment outcomes are usually best.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends the following eye exam treatment schedule:
Talk to your eye doctor about how often you should get your eyes checked. And remember to always contact your eye doctor about any changes in your vision.
Smoking further damages your blood vessels, including those in your eyes. Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit. Or call Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for support.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can increase your risk of cataracts. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses when outdoors.
Remember, all XP Health eyeglass and sunglass lenses come standard with built-in UVA and UVB protection. Many contact lenses now also include UV protection.
You are not alone in managing your diabetes and eye health. Your doctors and entire healthcare team are ready to support you. Ask family and friends to help you stick to your goals. Reach out to peers for support and tips.
