Diabetes can affect the blood vessels and other structures of the eye and may lead to diabetes-related eye conditions. Appropriate diabetes management and recommended eye examinations can help identify changes early and support timely care.
How can diabetes affect the eyes?
Persistently elevated blood glucose can damage small blood vessels and other tissues. In the eyes, diabetes can contribute to conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular oedema and cataract.
Diabetic retinopathy can develop gradually and may cause few noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Changes can become more significant if the condition is not identified and managed appropriately.
Why are regular eye examinations important?
People with diabetes may need regular eye examinations or diabetic eye screening according to their clinical circumstances and the screening arrangements available to them.
Eye examinations can identify changes that may not yet be affecting vision noticeably. Depending on the findings, an eye-care professional may recommend monitoring, additional imaging, treatment or referral for specialist care.
What can help protect eye health?
Following the diabetes management plan provided by your healthcare team is an important part of reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications. This may include managing blood glucose and addressing other cardiovascular risk factors as advised.
Attending recommended eye examinations and reporting changes in vision promptly can also help ensure that eye problems are assessed appropriately.
What symptoms should you take seriously?
Diabetes-related eye disease may not cause symptoms in its early stages, so the absence of visual problems does not necessarily mean that the eyes are unaffected.
New or worsening blurred vision, changes in vision, new floaters or other significant visual symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare or eye-care professional.
What happens if an eye problem is found?
The next step depends on the condition and its severity. Some findings may be monitored, while others may require treatment or referral to an ophthalmologist or another specialist.
Your eye-care professional can explain what has been found, what it means for your vision and what follow-up or treatment is recommended.
Diabetes-related eye disease can develop without obvious symptoms. The appropriate screening or examination schedule depends on the individual's type of diabetes, clinical history, risk factors and local care pathway. This information does not replace advice from the person's diabetes or eye-care team.
References
- Diabetic Retinopathy — National Eye Institute
- Diabetic Retinopathy — American Academy of Ophthalmology EyeWiki
- Diabetic retinopathy — NHS