If you live with diabetes, you’re probably used to keeping an eye on your blood sugar - but how often are you thinking about your actual eyes?
For many people, eyesight changes can be slow, sneaky and surprisingly easy to ignore. That’s what makes diabetes-related eye problems so dangerous: they don’t always show up with flashing warning signs.
Whether you’ve had diabetes for years or were just diagnosed, here are six unexpected ways diabetes could be affecting your vision and what you can do to protect it.
1.“If I can see fine, my eyes must be healthy.”
Vision damage can start silently. Diabetic eye disease often begins with no noticeable symptoms. Your vision might seem perfectly normal, even as high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in your retina. By the time you notice changes, the damage may already be advanced. That’s why regular eye exams, specifically for people with diabetes, are essential for early detection.
2. “Eye problems take years to develop.”
Not always. Damage can begin earlier than you think. While serious diabetic eye diseases like retinopathy may take 5-10 years to fully develop, subtle changes can start much earlier. You just won’t see them coming - literally. Your best defence? Book a diabetic eye exam at least once a year, even if your vision feels fine.
3. “Blurry vision? It’s probably just tired eyes.”
It could be your blood sugar talking. Fluctuating glucose levels can cause temporary blurry vision that comes and goes. It might feel harmless, but it’s a sign your blood sugar isn’t as stable as it should be. Left unmanaged, that blur could evolve into long-term damage to the back of your eye. If you're experiencing frequent visual changes, it’s time to get checked. Schedule an eye examination at the earliest opportunity.
4. “Cataracts only affect older people.”
Not when diabetes is in the picture. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cataracts and they tend to get them earlier in life. Cataracts cloud the eye’s natural lens, making vision hazy, the quality of our viewing poorer and colours less vibrant. The good news? Controlling your blood sugar can slow down cataract progression, and vision correction options like laser eye surgery or lens replacement - are available when needed.
5. “Pregnancy doesn’t affect my eyes.”
It can - especially with pre-existing diabetes. Pregnancy adds another layer of complexity for people with diabetes. Hormonal changes can affect blood sugar control, which in turn can impact your eyes. If you’re pregnant and diabetic, get your eyes checked early in your pregnancy and follow your clinician’s advice on follow-up care.
6. “Eye infections? Never had one.”
That may not always be the case. Diabetes can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to eye infections like conjunctivitis. If your blood sugar is regularly high, even minor irritations can become bigger issues. Wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes and keep your blood sugar in check - it all adds up to better protection.
Listen to Your Eyes
You don’t have to wait for your vision to get worse before you take action. A comprehensive eye exam can catch early signs of damage, long before you notice symptoms yourself.
At Optical Express, our specialists understand how diabetes affects your eyes - and how early detection can make all the difference.
Don’t leave your vision to chance.
Book your diabetic eye health check today and give your eyes the care they deserve.
Book your free cataract consultation today