Diabetes can affect more than just your blood sugar—it can also have a major impact on your eye health. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the delicate blood vessels in your eyes, leading to a group of vision problems known as diabetic eye disease. The good news? Early detection and regular eye exams can make all the difference in protecting your sight. Here’s what you need to know about the warning signs and the importance of preventive screenings.

What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?

Diabetic eye disease isn’t just one condition—it’s an umbrella term for several diabetes-related eye problems, including:

Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to the retina’s blood vessels, which can lead to vision loss if untreated.

Diabetic macular edema (DME): Swelling in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision.

Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens, which can happen earlier and progress faster in people with diabetes.

Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye that can damage the optic nerve over time.

These conditions often develop slowly and without obvious symptoms at first, which is why regular eye exams are so important.

Early Warning Signs to Watch For

While diabetic eye disease can be silent in its early stages, there are several warning signs that should prompt an immediate visit to your eye doctor:

Blurry or fluctuating vision

Dark or empty spots in your vision

Difficulty seeing at night

Colours appearing faded or washed out

Sudden flashes of light or floaters

Partial or total vision loss in one eye

Even mild changes in vision can indicate that damage is occurring. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to permanent vision loss, so it’s important to act quickly.

The Importance of Preventive Screenings

Preventive care is key to catching diabetic eye disease early—before it causes lasting damage. People with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.

During this exam, your eye care professional can look for signs of damage long before you notice symptoms yourself.

Early detection allows for timely treatment, which may include medications, laser therapy, or other procedures to preserve your vision. Managing your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol also plays a crucial role in slowing the progression of diabetic eye disease.

Protecting Your Eyes Every Day

In addition to regular screenings, you can take steps to protect your vision daily:

Keep blood sugar levels under control to prevent damage to blood vessels.

Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol as recommended by your doctor.

Avoid smoking, which can worsen circulation and increase eye disease risk.

Eat a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, colorful vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Wear UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes from sun damage.

Diabetic eye disease is one of the leading causes of vision loss—but it’s also one of the most preventable. By knowing the warning signs, keeping up with annual eye exams, and managing your overall health, you can significantly reduce your risk of vision problems.

If you have diabetes and it’s been more than a year since your last eye exam, schedule one today. Early action can help preserve your sight for years to come.