Prevent Vision Loss from Diabetes

Eye disease may not be the first concern that comes to mind when diagnosed with diabetes, but retinopathy, which can result in vision loss and blindness, is common among diabetics, a recent study found. Using data from the CDC and US Census Bureau, a team of researchers estimated for 2021 that approximately 9.6 million people had diabetic retinopathy, which represents 26.43 of all individuals who have diabetes. Furthermore, of these 9.6 million people with diabetic retinopathy, researchers estimated that 5 percent or 1.84 million have vision threatening forms of the condition. [1]

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of cells in the back of the eye.  The damaged blood vessels can swell and leak. The result is blurry vision or blood flow stops. New blood vessels may grow, but they are not normal and can cause further vision problems. The condition usually affects both eyes.[2]

According to another recent study conducted by John Hopkins, fewer than half of all Americans with diabetes-related eye damage know that diabetes can lead to vision loss—and just 60 percent of those who understand this risk had a complete eye exam in the previous year. Researchers point out that the lack of knowledge can increase the risk of blindness if people fail to get early eye checks and vision-protecting treatment.  As it turns out, nearly one in four of the participants in the study already had some vision loss.[3]

Other vision problems that can result from diabetes

• Diabetic macular edema: An eye condition that can result from diabetes and is characterized by swelling in the central part of the retina called the macula. Swelling or edema in the macula can cause vision problems, which may lead to blindness.[4] Macular edema usually develops along with diabetic retinopathy.
• Cataracts: If you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop cataracts, which are cloudy lenses. High blood sugar levels can cause deposits to build up in the lenses of the eye causing the cloudiness.
• Glaucoma: People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop open-angle glaucoma, the most common type. Diabetes also can cause neovascular glaucoma, which can be associated with diabetic retinopathy. New and abnormal blood vessels grow on the iris. The new vessels can block the flow of fluid out of the eye, raising the pressure. [5]

Prevent diabetic vision issues

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends the following steps:[6]

Annual eye exam: Have an annual dilated eye exam at least once a year since in its early stages, there may be no signs of diabetic eye disease. You want to catch problems early.

Control blood sugar: Control blood glucose levels to prevent the problems that can result, including blurry vision caused by changes in the shape of the eye and damaged blood vessels.

Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels: High blood pressure and high cholesterol increases the risk of eye disease and vision loss.

Exercise: Exercise is not only good for diabetes management, it is good for the eyes, too.

Managing diabetes and getting regular annual eye exams can help reduce the risk of eye damage and loss of vision.

[1] Bahl, Rajiv, “1 in 4 People with Diabetes Have Eye Damage, Study Finds,” Healthline, June 20, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/study-finds-1-in-4-people-with-diabetes-have-eye-damage-study-finds

[2] “Vision Loss,” CDC, Accessed August 1, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/diabetes-vision-loss.html

[3] Rita Rastogi Kalyani, M.D., M.H.S., (reviewe), “Diabetes and Vision: Understanding the Link,” Accessed August 1, 2023. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/diabetes-and-vision-understanding-the-link

[4] “What is Diabetic Macular Edema,” Mayo Clinic, Accessed August 1, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/in-depth/what-is-diabetic-macular-edema/art-20544200?msclkid=8236d269f48f1e9311a4b65abaa58a7c

[5] “Vision Loss,” CDC, Accessed August 1, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/diabetes-vision-loss.html

[6] Boyd, Kierstan, “Prevent Diabetic Eye Disease in 5 Steps,” American Academy of Ophthalmology, September 20, 2021. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/top-five-diabetes-steps