Eye Health and Diabetes: Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

The Relationship Between Diabetes and Eye Health

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, and prolonged high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes. This damage increases the risk of developing several sight-threatening conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), cataracts, and glaucoma. Without early intervention, these conditions can lead to blurred vision, progressive vision loss, or even blindness.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic macular edema occurs when chronic high blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels, allowing fluid to leak into the macula—the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. As the macula swells, vision becomes distorted, colors may look faded, and tasks such as reading or recognizing faces can become more difficult.

DME can develop at any stage of diabetic retinopathy but becomes more likely as the disease advances, especially when blood sugar, cholesterol, or blood pressure are not well managed. Without treatment, DME can lead to permanent central vision loss.

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that causes light to scatter, reducing clarity and color contrast. While cataracts often form naturally with age, people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing them earlier and more severely.

High blood sugar can alter the composition of the lens, causing it to swell and become cloudy. Symptoms include blurred or hazy vision, glare around lights, difficulty seeing at night, and colors appearing less vivid. Maintaining stable blood sugar and scheduling routine eye exams can help detect cataracts early and slow their progression.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma encompasses several eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. People with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop glaucoma—particularly open-angle glaucoma and neovascular glaucoma, a more severe type in which abnormal blood vessels grow on the iris and drainage structures, raising eye pressure.

Because glaucoma often progresses with few or no early warning signs, it is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight.” Peripheral vision is usually affected first, and once vision loss occurs, it cannot be restored. Regular comprehensive eye exams are critical for early detection and effective management.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes and remains a leading cause of blindness among adults. It occurs when elevated blood sugar damages the retina’s blood vessels, causing them to leak, swell, or close off. The disease develops gradually, so early diagnosis and consistent care are vital to preserving sight.

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) is the initial stage of the disease, marked by weakened retinal blood vessels that leak small amounts of fluid or blood. This can cause swelling and blurred vision. Small yellowish spots called exudates may also appear on the retina as fatty deposits build up. NPDR can progress from mild to severe as vessel damage increases.

Treatment for NPDR centers on careful blood sugar management and consistent eye monitoring. Your Nationwide Vision doctor may recommend more frequent exams and imaging to track changes in the retina. Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in a healthy range is key to preventing progression. If fluid buildup affects the macula, treatments like anti-VEGF injections, corticosteroid drops, or laser therapy can help reduce swelling and protect central vision.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

As diabetic retinopathy progresses, it may advance to Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)—an advanced stage characterized by the growth of fragile, abnormal blood vessels on the retina and into the vitreous gel of the eye. These vessels can bleed, causing floaters or sudden vision changes. Scar tissue may also form, pulling on the retina and increasing the risk of retinal detachment.

Treatment for PDR aims to stop new vessel growth and preserve remaining vision. Panretinal laser photocoagulation reduces the retina’s oxygen demand to prevent further vessel formation. Anti-VEGF medications can help block the chemical signals that trigger abnormal growth. In advanced cases with bleeding or detachment, a vitrectomy may be required to remove blood and stabilize the retina. With timely care, many patients can retain useful vision and prevent further complications.

Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Diabetic Eye Disease

While diabetes can increase the risk of vision problems, consistent medical care and everyday habits can meaningfully protect your sight.

Control Blood Sugar

Keeping your glucose within the targets set by your healthcare provider is the most effective way to lower the risk of diabetes-related eye damage. Steady control supports both ocular health and overall wellness.

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Comprehensive, dilated eye exams catch changes before they affect vision. At Nationwide Vision, our clinicians use advanced imaging to monitor the retina and its tiny blood vessels for early signs of disease. Plan on an annual diabetic eye exam—or more frequent visits if recommended—to detect and treat issues promptly.

Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol can accelerate diabetic eye complications. Work with your care team on diet, activity, and medications to protect vascular health and keep vision stable.

Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Your daily choices matter. Prioritize a nutrient-dense diet with vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, stay active, hydrate well, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol. These steps improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote long-term visual health.