Diabetes and the Eye

All diabetics should have regular eye examinations with an optometrist or ophthalmologists since diabetes can affect the health of the eyes. Annual reviews are usually recommended.

High or uncontrolled sugar levels can cause changes to your vision. In the short term it can lead to swelling on the lens of the eye. This can lead to blurry vision. Luckily the effects are short term and vision usually improves once the sugar levels return to normal.

Long term, diabetes can damage the structure of the fine blood vessels which supply oxygen and nutrients to the eye. As the vessels become damaged they can leak fluid (retinopathy) and blood which can damage the retina of the eye and in severe cases cause vision loss.

Research has shown that keeping your sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol under control is the key to maintaining healthy eyes

This information has been provided as a general guide and should not be used to diagnose or manage your eye condition. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Regular eye examinations are recommended.