The eyes are the most precious gift we have, and diabetes can quietly harm them. The sad part is that in the early stages, vision stays clear, so people feel there is no problem.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
At the back of the eye is a thin layer called the retina. It catches light and sends pictures to the brain. It is fed by very tiny blood vessels. High sugar over the years can make these vessels leak, swell or close. New weak vessels may also grow, and they can bleed.
Why you may not feel anything
Early retinopathy usually causes no pain and no change in vision. By the time sight becomes blurry, damage may already be present. This is why a yearly eye test is important, even if you see well.
Warning signs to act on quickly
- Floaters, dark spots or cobweb-like shapes.
- Sudden blurring or patches of lost vision.
- Difficulty seeing at night.
- Colours looking faded.
How often should you check?
For type 2 diabetes, a dilated eye examination is advised at the time of diagnosis and then usually every year. For type 1, the first check is generally advised about five years after diagnosis, then yearly. Pregnant women with diabetes may need extra checks. Your eye doctor will tell you if you need earlier visits.
Can it be treated?
Yes. Laser treatment and eye injections can protect vision in many people when started in time. But treatment works best when the problem is found early.
How to protect your eyes
Keep sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol in the target range, avoid smoking, and never skip the yearly eye visit. Good control reduces the risk of eye damage in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
If you live in Gopanpally, Gowlidoddi, Nallagandla or Tellapur, or work in the Financial District or Nanakramguda, a simple blood sugar check is available at our clinic in Gopanpally, Gachibowli. You can read more about our diabetes care or contact us to book a visit.
Keep reading
Your family doctor,
Akhila Reddy
MBBS, DNB (Family Medicine) | TSMC Reg. No. APMC/FMR/74261
AMC Hospital, Gopanpally, Gachibowli, Hyderabad
This article is for general health education and does not replace a check-up. Every person is different, so please speak to your doctor before changing any medicine. In an emergency, call 108 or go to the nearest hospital.
References
- American Diabetes Association. Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Foot Care: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025. Diabetes Care 2025;48(Suppl 1). https://diabetesjournals.org/care/issue/48/Supplement_1
- World Health Organization. Diabetes fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
- Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Research Group. N Engl J Med 1993;329:977-986.