On Thursday November 14th, we recognised World Diabetes Day, a global awareness campaign focusing on diabetes and its impact on millions of lives worldwide. With this in mind, it’s the perfect opportunity to discuss the impact that diabetes can have on eye health.
If you live with diabetes, you are probably already aware that your vision can be impacted in numerous ways. Aside from the risk of a condition known as diabetic retinopathy, high blood sugar can also put you at risk of developing other eye conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma. However, with the right care, you can safeguard your sight.

Check out our five pieces of advice below to help stay on top of your eye health after a diabetes diagnosis.

1. Know the risks
Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of preventable sight loss in the UK? High blood glucose levels can affect blood vessels throughout the body, including those in your eyes.  Over time, elevated blood sugar may affect the shape of your eye’s lens, leading to blurry vision. If not addressed, it could potentially result in loss of vision. However, with regular eye exams and good diabetes management, these issues can often be prevented.

2. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
It is recommended that everyone sees their optician every two years, but for people diagnosed with diabetes, we recommend annual eye exams.  One of the biggest reasons for this is because diabetic retinopathy is often asymptomatic in its earliest stages. It is therefore crucial to ensure annual eye exams to detect the signs of the disease before symptoms appear. Early detection means better treatment options, and ultimately better chances of preserving your vision.

3. Watch your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol
We have already mentioned that consistently high blood sugar is the biggest cause of vision problems. However, high blood pressure and cholesterol can also exacerbate eye-related complications, so we recommend regular check-ups and consultation with your doctor to keep all three of these levels under control.

4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Everyone can benefit from adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and for those with diabetes, these habits are especially important. Eating a balanced diet and staying active can help manage blood sugar levels, which in turn supports better eye health. Quitting smoking is also strongly encouraged, as it can significantly reduce risks to your vision and overall health.

5. Watch for warning signs
Even if you’re receiving regular eye exams, it’s still important to be vigilant and alert to any changes in your vision. Blurry vision, dark spots, flashes of light or difficulty seeing at night are all things to be aware of. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact us for advice, as early intervention can make all the difference.