Don't Let Diabetes Blur Your Vision: What I Learned at My Eye Exam

As a sports photographer, my eyes are VERY important. They help me catch the big dunk, the game-winning goal, and every moment in between. That is why my most recent diabetic eye exam really got my attention. Diabetes can quietly harm your eyes, often before you notice anything is wrong.¹

In this article, I will share what my eye doctor told me, which eye problems to watch for, and simple steps you can take to protect your vision.

What my eye doctor told me

During my checkup, my optometrist talked with me about vision problems that can happen in people with type 2 diabetes. She was very clear about one thing: diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye. This damage causes a condition called diabetic retinopathy.¹

The tricky part is that diabetic retinopathy usually has no symptoms in its early stages. You may not notice any change in your vision until the damage is already serious.¹

That is why she told me to stay alert and never skip an exam.

Why diabetes puts your eyes at risk

Diabetes does not just affect the retina. It also makes you more likely to develop cataracts and glaucoma, and to get them at a younger age.^1,2

In fact, having diabetes nearly doubles your risk of open-angle glaucoma, the most common type.¹

Glaucoma can lead to blindness if it is not treated.

My eye doctor and I have talked about glaucoma before. Glaucoma runs in my family, and I also have diabetes. Because of this, she has stressed how important it is for me to watch for signs of glaucoma.

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma usually do not cause pain or noticeable vision changes.^1,3

As they get worse, you may notice signs like:

• Floating spots in your vision, also called floaters
• Blurry vision
• Trouble reading or seeing faraway objects, which may come and go
• Loss of your side (peripheral) vision

Do not wait for your next checkup if you suddenly see a lot of new floaters, flashes of light, or a dark shadow, like a curtain, over part of your vision. These can be signs of a retinal tear or detachment, which is an emergency. Call your eye doctor or go to the emergency room right away.⁴

Your eye doctor can also find damage you cannot see or feel, such as leaking blood vessels or scarring on the retina. That is one more reason regular exams matter so much.

The 3 eye conditions my doctor checked for

The major eye conditions my doctor checked for are common in people with diabetes. Some, especially glaucoma, are also more common in the African American community.³

I am both, so keeping an "eye" out for these conditions is VERY important to me. Here are the three main conditions she looked for:^1,3

• Diabetic retinopathy: This condition affects the retina. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina, and these vessels may then leak or bleed. Over time, this can lead to blurry vision, blind spots, and even blindness. It is the most common diabetic eye disease, and it was one of the main conditions my optometrist checked for.
• Cataracts: A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye. People with diabetes are 2 to 5 times more likely to develop cataracts.Cataracts can make it hard to see clearly, especially in bright light. My doctor said it is like looking through a dirty car windshield while it is raining.
• Glaucoma: This condition damages the optic nerve, which carries what you see from your eye to your brain. Glaucoma usually affects your side vision first. Without treatment, it can lead to tunnel vision and even blindness.

What you can do to protect your vision

The good news is that there are many things you can do to protect your eyes if you have type 2 diabetes. Some of these tips are part of the usual diabetes routine. Still, they are worth repeating:^1,2,5,6

• Manage your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol: Keeping your blood sugar in your target range is one of the most important things you can do to prevent or delay eye problems. High blood pressure and high cholesterol also raise your risk, so keep an eye on all three. Work with your doctor to make a game plan. I like to call it my "Diabetic Playbook."
• Eat a healthy diet: There is no single right way to eat with diabetes, but a healthy meal plan includes foods with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. A dietitian can help you build a plan that works for you.
• Get regular exercise: Physical activity can help lower your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and help you reach a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. You can break it up, like 30 minutes on most days. Keep the blood flowing and that heart pumping. If you already have eye problems, ask your doctor which activities are safe for you.
• Wear sunglasses: Over time, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can raise your risk of cataracts. Choose sunglasses labeled as blocking 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. I made this my fashion statement. It gave me an excuse to buy lots of new eyewear. Why not look good while you are doing it, right?
• Get regular eye exams: Most people with type 2 diabetes need a dilated eye exam when they are diagnosed and then about once a year. If your exams have been healthy and your blood sugar is well managed, your eye doctor may space them out to every 1 to 2 years. If you have any signs of retinopathy, you will need an exam at least once a year, and maybe more often. Have an honest conversation. Let your doctor know about any eye problems you have had since your last visit. Floaters are great in basketball for the game-winning shot. They are NOT great in your eyes.

Keep your eyes in the game

Diabetes can have a serious impact on your eyes, and eye health is often overlooked in diabetes care until it is too late. Regular dilated eye exams can catch diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts early, when there is still time to protect your sight.¹

You can also protect your eyes by managing your blood sugar, eating well, staying active, and wearing sunglasses. So, take good care of your good old peepers. By doing so, you can help protect your vision for years to come.