Diabetes Eye Care & Diabetic Retinopathy
Protect Your Vision, Manage Your Diabetes

Living with diabetes requires more than just managing blood sugar—it also means taking extra care of your eyes. One of the most serious complications of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can damage the retina and lead to vision loss if not detected early.

 What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina—the part of the eye that senses light. Over time, these vessels can leak fluid, bleed, or grow abnormally, affecting your vision.

Early Signs to Watch For:

• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Dark spots or floaters
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes

Often, there are no symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular eye check-ups are crucial.

 Eye Care Tips for Diabetics:

• Get an annual dilated eye exam – even if your vision seems fine
• Control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
• Avoid smoking – it increases the risk of eye complications
• Follow a healthy diet and exercise plan
• Report vision changes immediately to your eye doctor

 Treatment Options:

If detected early, diabetic retinopathy can be treated through:

• Laser therapy (photocoagulation) to stop blood leakage
• Injections to reduce swelling and prevent abnormal vessel growth
• Surgery (vitrectomy) in advanced cases to remove blood and scar tissue

 Why Early Detection Matters:

Early stages may not affect vision, but without treatment, retinopathy can lead to blindness. Regular eye exams can detect changes before symptoms arise, helping preserve sight and prevent further damage.

Your Vision is Worth Protecting
If you have diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms. Make eye health a part of your diabetes care routine. Talk to your ophthalmologist today.