Living with diabetes means being proactive about your overall health—and that includes your vision. Eye health and diabetes are closely connected, and one of the most serious complications for individuals with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. This condition can lead to vision loss if not detected and managed early. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for protecting your eyesight and maintaining a high quality of life.
What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, these damaged vessels can leak fluid or bleed, disrupting normal vision. In more advanced stages, abnormal new blood vessels may grow on the surface of the retina in an attempt to replace bloodflow from the leaking blood vessels. This can significantly increase the risk of retinal detachment or glaucoma.
This condition affects both type 1 and type 2 diabetics, and the risk increases the longer you have diabetes and the less controlled your blood sugar levels are. That’s why routine eye care is critical for individuals living with diabetes.
Why Is It Important to Have a Diabetic Eye Exam?
A diabetic eye exam is more than just a vision check—it’s a detailed examination of the retina using specialized imaging and dilation techniques. Since early stages of diabetic retinopathy often have no noticeable symptoms, only a trained eye doctor can detect subtle changes in the eye before vision is affected.
Catching diabetic retinopathy early gives patients a much better chance of preserving their eyesight. That’s why we recommend annual eye exams for all patients with diabetes, even if vision seems normal. Your eye doctor can monitor changes over time and recommend timely interventions.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy 
While early stages may be symptom-free, as the condition progresses, you might notice:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters
- Impaired color vision
- Empty or dark areas in your vision
- Sudden vision loss
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek eye care immediately.
5 Ways to Address Diabetic Retinopathy
Managing diabetic retinopathy involves a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes. Here are 5 ways to address diabetic retinopathy and help protect your vision:
Control Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, and Cholesterol – Keeping these within healthy ranges slows the progression of eye damage.
Get Regular Diabetic Eye Exams – Annual checkups allow your eye doctor to catch and manage changes early.
Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation) – Seals leaking blood vessels and prevents further vision loss.
Injections (Anti-VEGF Therapy) – Medications injected into the eye reduce inflammation and slow abnormal vessel growth.
Vitrectomy Surgery – Removes blood and scar tissue from the eye in advanced cases.
Protect Your Vision with Routine Eye Care
If you have diabetes, don't wait for symptoms to appear. Routine eye care is a vital part of your health strategy. Our experienced Glendale optometrists are here to provide compassionate and comprehensive care, including diabetic eye exams designed to detect issues early. Schedule your appointment today and take a proactive step toward long-term eye health.