Your eyes tell a story about your health. When you have diabetes, that story becomes more important. Blood sugar problems can harm your vision before you notice any changes. So, knowing how diabetes affects your eyes can save your sight. After all, it is the leading cause of vision loss between 18 and 64 years.
 

High blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels that feed your retina. This is the part of your eye that captures images like a camera. These damaged vessels can leak, swell, or close off completely. Your eyes try to fix this by growing new blood vessels. Yet, these new ones are weak and may cause more problems.
 

Does this mean everyone with diabetes will have eye problems? Not at all. But your chances increase the longer you live with uncontrolled blood sugar. But you can protect your eyes.
 

Warning Signs to Watch for

Your eyes might be telling you something is wrong if you notice:
 

• Blurry vision that comes and goes.

• Dark spots floating in your view.

• Poor night vision.

• Colors that look washed out.

• Eye pain or pressure.

• Double vision.
   

These changes might seem small, but they matter. Tell your eye doctor right away if you spot them.
 

The Clock Is Ticking

Time plays a significant role in eye damage from diabetes. Most people do not know they have eye problems until the damage is done. The brain is good at adjusting to slow changes in vision. When you notice something is wrong, you might already have severe damage.
 

Eye doctors can spot trouble long before you notice any changes. They use special tools to look deep inside your eyes and catch problems early. This early warning system can save your sight.
 

Taking Action

It is vital to keep your blood sugar steady. Work with your doctor to find the right diet, exercise, and medicine mix. Those finger pricks and A1C tests might be annoying, but they are worth it.
 

Get your eyes checked regularly. Even if your vision seems fine, you still need eye exams. They are like an early warning system for your eyes. Control your blood pressure and cholesterol, too. They team up with high blood sugar to damage your eyes faster. Also, quit smoking if you do. It can worsen eye damage from diabetes.
 

When to Get Help

Some eye changes need quick action. Get immediate help if you suddenly notice the following:
 

• Dark floating spots across your field of vision.

• Flashing lights.

• A dark curtain moving across your vision.

• Sudden vision loss.
   

This could mean your retina is pulling away from the back of your eye. This is a serious problem that needs fast treatment.
 

New Hope Through Treatment

Eye care has come a long way. Doctors now have many ways to treat diabetes-related eye problems.
 

Special eye drops can help control swelling, and laser treatments can seal leaky blood vessels. Some people might also need shots in their eyes. This sounds scary, but these shots can save their sight.
 

The best approach is to catch problems early. That is why regular eye checks are so important.
 

Your Next Steps

Living with diabetes means paying extra attention to your eyes. But you are not alone in this. Your eye doctor and diabetes care team can help you protect your vision. Start by scheduling an eye exam. Ask your doctor about your risk factors. Small steps today can keep your eyes healthy for years.
 

For more on diabetes and eye health, visit Premier Eye Care Optometry at our San Bernardino, California, office. Call (909) 757-0700 to schedule an appointment today.

 

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes-and-your-eyes-what-you-need-to-know

https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/eye-health