Diabetes affects over 4 million people in the UK, yet many remain unaware of the serious impact it can have on their eyesight. As we approach Diabetes Awareness Week, Optical Express are urging those living with diabetes to take a closer look, literally, at their eye health.
Why Diabetes and Eye Health Are Closely Linked
Diabetes doesn’t just affect blood sugar and one’s general health; it can quietly damage your vision too. High blood glucose levels can harm the delicate blood vessels in the retina, leading to a range of sight-threatening conditions including:
Diabetic Retinopathy: the most common diabetic eye disease and one of the leading cause of vision loss in UK
Cataracts: which can develop earlier and more rapidly in people with diabetes
Glaucoma: where increased eye pressure can cause optic nerve damage
If left undetected or untreated, these conditions can cause irreversible vision loss. What’s even more concerning? Many of them develop without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. According to our recent research, diabetic retinopathy is the top cause of preventable sight loss in adults under 75. This condition occurs when persistently high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina, leading to bleeding, fluid leaks, and, over time, vision impairment or blindness.
3 Simple Ways to Protect Your Vision if You Have Diabetes
- Control Your Blood Sugar Keeping your blood glucose within a healthy range reduces your risk of diabetic eye disease. Follow medical advice on diet, medication and lifestyle changes to maintain stable levels. Your eyes, and your long-term health, will thank you.
- Book Regular Diabetic Eye Exams An annual diabetic eye exam can catch early signs of problems before you notice any symptoms. Optical Express recommends yearly screenings for all diabetic patients to allow early diagnosis and timely treatment. Should any eye symptoms occur, an eye exam in the immediate short term is recommended.
- Manage Blood Pressure & Cholesterol High blood pressure and cholesterol can worsen eye conditions by placing extra strain on your retinal blood vessels. Work with your healthcare provider to keep both in check and lower your overall risk.
Don’t Wait for Symptoms, Act Early
At Optical Express, we believe in preventative care and early intervention. That’s why we're shining a spotlight on the link between diabetes and vision this Diabetes Awareness Week. Regular eye exams could mean the difference between preserving your vision - or losing it unnecessarily.
“The most concerning aspect is that many diabetic eye conditions develop silently,” says Dr Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director at Optical Express. “That’s why regular eye checks are not just helpful - they’re essential.”
“By controlling blood sugar and monitoring eye health regularly, diabetic patients can significantly reduce their risk of vision loss,” adds Dr Hannan.
If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, don’t wait for vision changes to take action. Protect your sight and eye health with a comprehensive eye health check from our expert team.
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