Protecting Your Vision: Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

Understanding the Connection Between Diabetes and Eye Health

Diabetes affects how the body controls blood sugar levels, and over time, uncontrolled blood sugar can damage the delicate blood vessels in the eyes. This damage increases the risk of developing several vision-threatening conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), cataracts, and glaucoma. These diseases can blur vision, cause gradual sight loss, and, if untreated, lead to blindness.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic macular edema (DME) occurs when high blood sugar levels harm the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak fluid into the macula—the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision. When the macula swells, vision becomes distorted, colors may appear faded, and everyday activities such as reading or driving can become more difficult.

DME can develop at any stage of diabetic retinopathy, and the risk increases the longer diabetes remains uncontrolled. Consistently managing blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure can reduce the chances of DME developing. If left untreated, however, the swelling can cause permanent damage to central vision.

Cataracts

A cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, affecting the way light passes through to the retina. While cataracts are a normal part of aging, individuals with diabetes often develop them earlier in life and at a faster rate.

Excess sugar in the bloodstream can alter the lens structure, causing it to swell and lose clarity. Common symptoms include blurry vision, increased glare sensitivity, faded colors, and difficulty seeing at night. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and scheduling regular eye exams can help prevent cataracts from worsening and preserve clear vision.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. People with diabetes are about twice as likely to develop glaucoma compared to those without it. Two common forms linked to diabetes include open-angle glaucoma and neovascular glaucoma, a severe type caused by abnormal blood vessel growth that can block fluid drainage and increase eye pressure.

Because glaucoma often progresses silently without early warning signs, it is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight.” Vision loss typically starts with peripheral vision, advancing slowly over time. Routine eye exams are the best defense for early detection and management before permanent damage occurs.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common and serious eye complications caused by diabetes—and one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. The condition occurs when chronically high blood sugar damages the retina’s blood vessels, leading them to leak or close off. Over time, this can severely impact vision, making early detection and treatment critical.

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) is the earliest stage of the disease. During this stage, blood vessels in the retina weaken and begin to leak small amounts of blood or fluid. This can cause swelling that leads to blurred or distorted vision. Small yellow-white deposits, called exudates, may also appear on the retina. NPDR can vary from mild to severe depending on how much damage has occurred.

Treatment for NPDR typically focuses on blood sugar management and regular monitoring. Your eyecarecenter doctor may recommend more frequent eye exams or imaging to detect early changes. Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose can significantly slow progression. If swelling in the macula occurs, treatments such as anti-VEGF injections, corticosteroid drops, or targeted laser therapy can help restore and protect vision.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

As diabetic retinopathy advances, it can progress into Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)—a more severe stage in which the retina begins forming fragile new blood vessels in an attempt to improve oxygen supply. Unfortunately, these new vessels are unstable and prone to bleeding into the vitreous, leading to dark floaters or vision loss. Scar tissue from this process can also pull on the retina, increasing the risk of retinal detachment.

Treatment for PDR focuses on stopping new vessel growth and preserving remaining vision. Panretinal laser photocoagulation reduces oxygen demand in the retina to prevent new vessel formation. Anti-VEGF medications can help block the chemical signals responsible for this growth. In more advanced cases involving bleeding or detachment, a vitrectomy may be necessary to remove blood and stabilize the retina. Even at this stage, timely treatment can protect vision and reduce long-term complications.

How to Prevent Diabetic Eye Disease

While diabetes can raise your risk for vision problems, consistent care and everyday habits can meaningfully protect your sight.

Control Blood Sugar

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

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

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

Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

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

Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Lifestyle choices matter. Focus on a nutrient-dense diet with vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, maintain regular physical activity, stay hydrated, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol. These steps improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote long-term visual health.