Caring for Your Eyes When You Have Diabetes

Diabetes can affect many parts of the body—including your eyes. The good news is that many diabetes‑related eye problems can be prevented or slowed with regular care, good blood sugar control, and early treatment. This guide explains how diabetes affects vision, what you can do each day to protect your eyes, and when to seek help.

Why Eye Care Matters When You Have Diabetes

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes. Over time, this may lead to vision problems or even vision loss if not treated early. Many eye conditions do not cause symptoms at first, which is why routine eye exams are so important.

Regular eye care can help:

• Protect your vision
• Detect problems early
• Reduce the risk of vision loss
• Support safe daily activities like driving, reading, and walking

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How Diabetes Can Affect Your Eyes

Diabetes may harm your eyes by:

• Damaging small blood vessels that supply the retina
• Increasing pressure inside the eye
• Making it harder for your eyes to heal or fight infection

Eye problems are more common as we age, and diabetes increases that risk.

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Common Eye Conditions in People With Diabetes

Diabetic Retinopathy

• Caused by damage to blood vessels in the retina (back of the eye)
• Often has no early symptoms
• Can lead to vision loss if untreated
• Best detected through regular dilated eye exams

Cataracts

• Cause cloudy or blurry vision
• People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts earlier
• Treatable with surgery when needed

Glaucoma

• Caused by increased pressure in the eye
• Can damage the optic nerve
• May lead to vision loss if not treated

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Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Eyes

Get Regular Eye Exams

• Have a dilated eye exam at least once a year
• Share eye exam results with your primary care provider
• Keep all eye appointments, even if your vision seems fine

What is a dilated eye exam? Eye drops are used to widen (dilate) your pupils so the eye doctor can see the back of your eyes clearly. The exam is painless and helps detect problems early.

Manage Your Diabetes Well

Keeping your diabetes under control helps protect your eyes.

Focus on the ABCs of diabetes:

• A1C – Measures average blood sugar over 3 months
• Blood Pressure – High blood pressure increases eye damage risk
• Cholesterol – Management of high cholesterol can help protect blood vessels

Your health care team can help you set safe and realistic goals.

Support Eye Health in Daily Life

• Take diabetes medications as prescribed
• Follow a balanced, diabetes‑friendly eating plan
• Stay physically active in safe ways, as approved by your healthcare provider
• Do not smoke
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV light

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When to Call Your Eye Doctor Right Away

Contact your eye doctor promptly if you notice:

• Sudden changes in vision
• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Dark spots, floaters, or flashing lights
• Redness or eye pain
• Trouble seeing at night or adjusting to darkness
• Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.  

Do not wait for your next appointment if symptoms appear.

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Working With Your Eye Care Team

You may see:

• Ophthalmologist – A medical doctor specializing in eye diseases and surgery
• Optometrist – Provides eye exams, vision testing, and routine eye care

Ask your eye care provider to:

• Explain your exam results in plain language
• Help you understand your personal eye health risks
• Share reports with your primary care provider or diabetes care team

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Helpful Reminder

Eye problems related to diabetes often develop slowly and without pain. Regular eye exams are an important part of protecting your vision.

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Medical Disclaimer

This material is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician, eye care provider, or other qualified health professional with questions about your medical condition or treatment plan. Never delay or ignore professional medical advice based on information in this guide.

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Sources:

• https://static.spacecrafted.com/c0f14b1d18324a9abc5f6a2ddfad8279/r/b20687fdacf541188ca6f8cb53bb0884/1/Healthy%20Eyes.pdf