Diabetes affects more than just your blood sugar. It can also have a serious impact on your vision. Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a group of conditions known as diabetic eye disease. These conditions are a leading cause of vision loss in adults, but the good news is: with early detection and proper management, much of this damage is preventable.
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes or you’ve been managing it for years, this guide will help you understand the risks, signs, and steps you can take to protect your sight.
What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic eye disease is not a single condition; It’s an umbrella term for several eye problems that are more common in people with diabetes.
The most common include:
Diabetic Retinopathy
This is the most frequent cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. In early stages, you may not notice symptoms, but as the disease progresses, it can lead to vision distortion, floaters, or blindness.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
This condition develops when fluid leaks into the macula (the central part of the retina), causing swelling and blurred vision. DME is a complication of diabetic retinopathy and a leading cause of vision loss.
Cataracts
Although anyone can develop cataracts as they age, people with diabetes tend to get them earlier and more severely. Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurry or faded vision.
Glaucoma
Diabetes doubles your risk of developing glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.
Symptoms to Watch For
One of the biggest challenges with diabetic eye disease is that it often progresses without early symptoms. That’s why regular eye exams are critical.
Still, some warning signs include:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark or empty areas in your field of vision
- Spots or floaters
- Poor night vision
- Sudden vision loss (in more advanced cases)
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam as soon as possible.
How to Prevent Diabetic Eye Disease
While having diabetes increases your risk, there are effective ways to protect your vision:
Get a Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam Every Year
Even if you have no symptoms, a yearly eye exam allows your eye doctor to detect early changes before you notice them. At ECVA, we use advanced imaging to monitor your retina and blood vessels closely.
Keep Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, and Cholesterol in Check
Managing these three numbers (known as the “diabetes ABCs”) reduces your risk of developing diabetic eye disease—and slows its progression if you already have it.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and taking medications as prescribed can all help preserve your vision.
Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays
Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection reduces stress on your eyes and may help prevent further complications.
Managing Diabetic Eye Disease
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy or another related condition, don’t panic. Many treatment options can help prevent vision loss. Some of these include:
- Monitoring and lifestyle changes in early stages
- Anti-VEGF injections to reduce swelling in the retina
- Laser treatment to seal leaking blood vessels or shrink abnormal ones
- Vitrectomy surgery in advanced cases with bleeding or retinal detachment
- Cataract surgery if clouding of the lens interferes with vision
At Eye Care & Vision Associates, we tailor each treatment plan to the individual. Our ophthalmologists specialize in diabetic eye care and use the latest tools and techniques to protect your vision.
Why Choose ECVA for Diabetic Eye Care?
If you’re managing diabetes, your eye care needs to be as proactive as your medical care.
At ECVA, we offer:
- Board-certified ophthalmologists experienced in diabetic eye disease
- Advanced diagnostics, including OCT and retinal photography
- Ongoing monitoring for early detection and progression tracking
- Collaborative care with your primary physician or endocrinologist
Our goal is not just to treat eye disease—but to preserve your vision and quality of life for the long term.
Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam Today
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes or looking to stay ahead of vision loss, ECVA is here to help.
ECVA offers convenient locations throughout the Buffalo area, including Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Williamsville. Call us or book your appointment online to get started with Western New York’s trusted eye care team.