Diabetic Retinopathy

How can diabetes affect my vision?

High blood sugar levels in people with diabetes can lead to many health complications, including changes in the blood vessels in the retina (the nerve layer at the back of the eye). This is called diabetic retinopathy.

In diabetic retinopathy, the tiny blood vessels in the retina may begin to leak or swell. The effects may not be noticeable at first, but over time, vision becomes blurred or cloudy. A person who has diabetic retinopathy may also notice blind spots or an increase in the number of floaters in their eyes.

Diabetic retinopathy affects at least half of the people with diabetes; the risk of getting the condition increases the longer a person lives with the disease. Diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness if left untreated.

If you have diabetes, you should have a complete eye examination at least once a year. During the eye exam, your optometrist will look inside your eye with an instrument called an ophthalmoscope, which allows closer examination of the blood vessels in your eyes. If you have diabetic retinopathy, your doctor may recommend treatment with lasers or other surgical instruments to slow the progress of the disease and decrease your risk of vision loss.

Diabetic retinopathy is preventable. If you have diabetes, take care of yourself by controlling your blood sugar and your blood pressure, eating properly, exercising regularly and avoiding alcohol and smoking.

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