The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 38.4 million Americans—11.6% of the U.S. population—have diabetes. While Type 2 diabetes affects many areas of the body and increases the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, skin issues, and even dementia, it also has serious impacts on eye health. Diabetes can lead to conditions like cataracts and glaucoma and can damage the retina, potentially resulting in blindness. In fact, diabetes is the primary cause of blindness in adults.
WebMD: Medically Reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD on March 16, 2024 |
Know the Warning Signs
If you have diabetes, it’s essential to watch for signs of eye disease, including:
- Blurred or distorted vision due to high blood sugar, which can cause swelling in the lens of your eye.
- Frequent changes in vision, which can vary from day to day.
- Partial or complete vision loss.
- Difficulty seeing colors.
- Dark spots or “floaters” from cataracts that make the lens cloudy.
- Flashes of light.
Protect Your Vision
Managing diabetes-related eye disease requires proactive care. Here are key steps to help protect your vision:
- Get Regular Eye Exams: Annual dilated eye exams are important for detecting early signs of diabetes-related eye disease. Catching issues early can allow for treatment before significant vision loss occurs. The American Diabetes Association recommends these exams for everyone with diabetes.
- Control Blood Sugar Levels: Keeping your blood sugar within the target range can help prevent or slow the damage to your eyes’ blood vessels.
- Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: High blood pressure and cholesterol can worsen eye damage, so work closely with healthcare providers to manage these.
- Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking are foundational steps to reduce diabetes complications.
Educate yourself about Diabetes and Eye Health
Several organizations provide resources to help individuals and families understand diabetes-related eye disease and take action:
- American Diabetes Association: Offers expert guidance, risk assessments, and resources for talking with healthcare providers.
- National Eye Institute: Provides fact sheets, infographics, videos, and webinars for managing eye health.
- Prevent Blindness: Features the “Diabetes + The Eyes Educational Toolkit,” with fact sheets, social media graphics, and presentations to help both patients and families better understand diabetes-related eye issues.
Taking proactive steps and staying informed are essential to preserving your vision while managing diabetes.
