Diabetes and Your Eyes - What You Need to Know

2025 18 November

Diabetes is a common condition in our community and while most people know it can affect your blood sugar, few know that it can also have a big impact on your eyes.

In fact, diabetes is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults. Fret not, as regular checks and early treatment can help prevent serious problems.

How does diabetes affect the eyes?

High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the back of your eye, in an area called the retina. This is known as diabetic retinopathy. In the early stages there might be no signs or symptoms at all, which is why it can go unnoticed until the damage has progressed.

Diabetes can also increase your risk of other eye diseases, such as cataracts (clouding of the lens) and glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve). All of these can permanently affect your vision if not detected early.

The importance of regular eye checks

Because diabetic eye disease often starts silently without symptoms, the best way to protect your vision is by having regular eye examinations, even if your sight feels perfectly fine. For most people with diabetes, we recommend a full comprehensive eye exam at least once a year.

During the consultation, we look carefully at your retina, often using eye drops to dilate your pupils for a better view. We may also take retinal photographs or scans so we can monitor even the slightest of changes over time.

What you can do to protect your eyes

• Keep your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol in check, as this reduces the risk of damage to your eyes.
• Don’t ignore any changes in your vision, even if they seem small.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from UV damage.
• Keep up with your regular eye exam appointments.

The Bottom Line

Diabetes doesn’t have to mean losing your sight, but the key is detecting any changes early. With regular monitoring and good overall health management, you can keep your eyes healthy for many years to come.

At Insightful Eye Care, we are passionate about protecting your vision at every stage of life. If you have diabetes, now is the perfect time to book your next eye test. You can make an appointment by calling us, visiting our practices, or by booking an appointment in our Richmond and Dingley Village practices.