Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month: Understanding Diabetic Eye Care

The Connection Between Diabetes and Eye Health

Diabetes affects how your body regulates blood sugar, and when glucose levels remain elevated for extended periods, it can damage the delicate blood vessels inside the eyes. This damage increases the likelihood of developing diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), cataracts, and glaucoma. Without treatment, diabetic eye conditions can lead to blurry vision, progressive sight loss, or even blindness.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic macular edema (DME) occurs when high blood sugar weakens the retinal blood vessels, causing them to leak fluid into the macula—the part of the retina responsible for central vision. As the macula swells, straight lines may appear distorted, colors can look faded, and activities such as reading or recognizing faces may become challenging.

DME can appear at any stage of diabetic retinopathy but becomes more likely as the condition progresses, especially when blood sugar, cholesterol, or blood pressure remain uncontrolled. Without timely treatment, DME can cause permanent central vision loss.

Cataracts

A cataract forms when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, blocking or scattering light and reducing clarity. While cataracts are common with aging, people with diabetes often develop them earlier and experience faster progression.

Prolonged high blood sugar can change the composition of the lens, causing swelling and cloudiness. Typical symptoms include hazy or blurred vision, glare sensitivity, muted colors, and difficulty seeing in dim lighting. Managing blood sugar and scheduling routine eye exams can help detect cataracts early and slow their growth.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma describes a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve—the pathway that sends visual information from the eye to the brain. Individuals with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop glaucoma, particularly open-angle glaucoma and neovascular glaucoma, a form caused by abnormal blood vessel growth in the iris and drainage structures.

Because glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms, it’s known as the “silent thief of sight.” Peripheral vision is typically affected first, and once vision is lost, it cannot be restored. Regular, comprehensive eye exams are crucial for early detection and preventing long-term damage.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common and severe eye complications caused by diabetes—and a leading cause of blindness among adults. The condition develops when high blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels, leading them to leak or close off. Over time, this damage can significantly affect sight, making early diagnosis and consistent monitoring essential.

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) is the earliest stage of the disease. At this point, weakened retinal blood vessels may leak small amounts of fluid or blood, resulting in swelling that causes blurred or distorted vision. Yellowish spots known as exudates may also appear on the retina as fatty deposits form. NPDR can progress from mild to severe as blood vessel damage increases.

Treatment focuses on controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol to slow progression. Your Grene Vision Group optometrist may recommend more frequent eye exams or retinal imaging to track changes. If swelling occurs in the macula, options such as anti-VEGF injections, steroid therapy, or laser treatment can help reduce fluid and preserve sharp vision.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

In advanced stages, the disease may progress to Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR), where the retina starts growing fragile new blood vessels to compensate for poor oxygen supply. These abnormal vessels can leak blood into the vitreous, leading to floaters or sudden vision changes. Scar tissue may also form, potentially pulling on the retina and causing a retinal detachment.

Treatment for PDR aims to stop abnormal vessel growth and prevent further damage. Panretinal laser photocoagulation helps reduce the retina’s oxygen demand, while anti-VEGF medications block the chemical signals responsible for abnormal vessel formation. In advanced cases, a vitrectomy may be needed to remove blood and stabilize the retina. With timely treatment and careful management, many patients can preserve their remaining vision and prevent additional complications.

Best Ways to Prevent Diabetic Eye Disease

While diabetes can increase the risk of vision problems, consistent medical care and everyday habits can meaningfully protect your sight.

Control Blood Sugar

Keeping your glucose within the targets set by your healthcare provider is the most effective way to lower the risk of diabetes-related eye damage. Steady control supports both ocular health and overall wellness.

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Comprehensive, dilated eye exams help detect changes before they affect vision. At Grene Vision Group, our clinicians use advanced imaging to monitor the retina and its tiny blood vessels for early signs of disease. Plan on an annual diabetic eye exam, or more frequent visits if recommended, to identify and treat issues promptly.

Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol can accelerate diabetic eye complications. Work with your care team on nutrition, activity, and medications to protect vascular health and keep vision stable.

Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Your daily choices matter. Prioritize a nutrient-dense diet with vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, stay active, hydrate well, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol. These steps improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support long-term visual health.