Diabetes & Eye Health
Answers to common questions about diabetes & eye health.
Questions on this page
Can diabetes affect the eyes?
Yes. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels supplying the retina.
This is called diabetic retinopathy.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when prolonged diabetes damages retinal blood vessels.
It can progress without causing noticeable symptoms initially.
Can diabetic retinopathy cause blindness?
Severe untreated diabetic eye disease can cause significant vision loss.
Early detection and appropriate treatment can substantially reduce this risk.
How often should I have an eye examination?
The frequency depends on whether retinopathy is present, the type of diabetes, duration of diabetes, pregnancy status and other risk factors.
Can I have diabetic eye disease even if my vision is normal?
Yes.
That is why regular retinal screening is important even when there are no visual symptoms.
Can diabetic retinopathy be treated?
Yes. Depending on the stage, treatment may include:
- Improved metabolic control
- Intravitreal injections
- Laser treatment
- Vitreoretinal surgery
Treatment is coordinated with an ophthalmologist.