Signs of diabetic eye problems

*Updated November 2023

Our eyesight is an important indicator of our overall health. This means that when we’re experiencing vision problems, other health issues could also be at play. Blurred vision, for example, can be a first sign of diabetes.

Diabetic eye problems can have a serious impact on your vision and eye health. It’s important to speak with a medical professional if you notice any changes in your vision.

Diabetes impacts the whole body

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, diabetes occurs when your body does not properly process food as energy. “When you have diabetes, your body either does not respond to or does not produce insulin, which is a hormone that delivers glucose (blood sugar) to the cells in your body.”

Diabetes can lead to serious medical problems including kidney disease, heart problems, and even vision loss. While there is no cure for the condition, it can be managed through consistent appointments with a medical team, medication, and healthy lifestyles.

Diabetic eye problems that impact vision

Unmanaged diabetes can lead to a group of eye conditions often referred to as diabetic eye diseases.

• Diabetic retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is the top cause of blindness for adults in the U.S. It develops when changes in the blood vessels of the retina lead to either leakage or the formation of abnormal new blood vessels on the surface of the retina.
  • Pro tip: Diabetic retinopathy can be treated if caught early. It’s important to see your eye doctor regularly to monitor any changes in your vision.
• Diabetic macular edema: This condition impacts a different part of the eye called the macula. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the macula is the part of your eye that processes what you see directly in front of you (your central vision). “It’s part of your retina and is key to your vision.” If blood vessels are leaking due to diabetes, it can cause the macula to swell. Wavy vision and dull color changes are signs of macular edema.
• Cataracts: Cataracts are a common diabetic eye problem that can form and progress faster due to high blood sugar levels. Cataracts cloud the lens of the eye, and can cause you to experience sensitivity to light, or see faded colors, glares, or halos.
• Glaucoma: Diabetes can cause neovascular glaucoma. This occurs when blood vessels in the retina are damaged by high blood sugar levels. This can cause the retina to form new, abnormal blood vessels that grow in the iris. These abnormal blood vessels can lead to increased eye pressure.

Diabetic eye problems can be prevented

By managing your diabetes, you can prevent or reduce the impact of diabetic eye problems. Some of the best ways to manage diabetes are by focusing on nutrition, staying active, and taking medications that are prescribed to you. Monitoring your blood sugar is also an important part of managing diabetes. Lowering cholesterol, quitting smoking, and wearing sunglasses while outdoors can also help prevent diabetic eye problems.

If you or someone you love is experiencing changes in vision or has been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to see an eye doctor. Click here to find a vision provider near you.