How does diabetes affect your vision?
Diabetes is one of the most common causes of vision problems in the Western world. It can damage the small blood vessels in the eye, a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy can cause significant vision disturbances or even vision loss if left untreated.
Symptoms
In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy usually doesn't show any visible symptoms, which means you might have the condition without even knowing it. That’s why it’s advised to have an eye health check-up in addition to your regular eye exam if you have diabetes. This check-up can help detect diabetic retinopathy before you notice any changes in your vision.
It is especially important to have regular eye exams if you have diabetes. Early treatment can prevent, slow down, or reduce vision loss.
Causes
Diabetic retinopathy can develop after a few years of having diabetes. The risk of damage is lower if your blood sugar levels are well controlled.
Treatment
Our opticians recommend scheduling an eye health check-up if you have diabetes, especially if you haven't had an eye screening by your doctor or eye specialist. If you have diabetes, ask your general practitioner or the diabetes clinic about the two annual diabetes screenings we offer.
Next Steps
We want to help you maintain clear vision. If diabetic retinopathy is detected during an eye exam and eye health check-up, the optometrist will refer you to an eye specialist for further treatment.
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