How Diabetes Affects Your Vision: What Every Patient Should Know


Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, impacting various parts of the body - including your eyes. At ProVision, we believe that patient education is a critical part of proactive eye care. If you have diabetes or are at risk, it’s important to understand how this condition can affect your vision and why routine eye exams are essential for protecting your long-term eye health.
 

Diabetic Retinopathy

This is the most common diabetes-related eye disease and a leading cause of vision loss. It occurs when high blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels, causing them to swell, leak, or close off entirely. In more advanced stages, abnormal blood vessels may begin to grow on the retina, leading to severe vision impairment.
 

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

Often a result of diabetic retinopathy, DME involves swelling in the macula. This swelling occurs when damaged blood vessels leak fluid into the macula, leading to blurred or wavy vision. DME can make it difficult to read, recognize faces, or perform tasks that require fine visual detail. Left untreated, it can lead to irreversible vision loss.
 

Cataracts

People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts than those without the condition. Cataracts cause the eye’s natural lens to become cloudy, which can result in blurry, dim, or faded vision. Colors may appear dull, glare from lights may increase, and night vision can become particularly challenging. In diabetic patients, cataracts often progress more rapidly.
 

Glaucoma

Diabetes also increases the risk of developing glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. The most common form, open-angle glaucoma, often develops slowly and painlessly, with no early warning signs. Over time, peripheral vision may diminish, followed by central vision if the condition is not managed. Elevated eye pressure is a major risk factor, though not always present.
 

The Importance of Routine Eye Exams

Many diabetes-related eye conditions progress silently, without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. This is why regular, comprehensive eye exams are crucial. Through dilated eye exams and advanced imaging, eye care professionals can detect early signs of damage before vision loss occurs. We recommend annual diabetic eye exams or more frequent visits depending on the stage of your condition. Early detection allows for timely intervention, including medical treatments, laser therapy, or lifestyle changes to slow progression and preserve your vision.
 

Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam Today

Managing your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol are essential steps in protecting your eyes. But routine eye care is just as vital. By partnering with your optometrist and staying consistent with exams, you’re taking a proactive role in safeguarding your sight.
 

Schedule your diabetic eye exam with ProVision to stay head of diabetic-related eye conditions before they impact your vision. Visit any of our offices in Los Angeles, San Dimas, Culver City, California. Please call (213) 659-3962 or (909) 686-5402, or (424) 453-2322 to get in touch with us today.