11/17/2025
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It’s caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina).
Here’s a simple breakdown of how diabetes can affect your eyes:
How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
High Blood Sugar: Over time, consistently high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels throughout your body, including those in your eyes.
Damaged Blood Vessels: In the retina, these damaged blood vessels can leak fluid or blood, swell, and even close off entirely.
New, Abnormal Blood Vessels: To compensate, your eyes might try to grow new blood vessels. However, these new vessels are often fragile and can bleed easily.
Vision Changes: This damage can lead to blurry vision, dark spots, or even severe vision loss if left untreated.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy Can Include:
Blurred vision
Floaters or dark spots in your vision
Difficulty seeing at night
Sudden vision loss
Early detection and treatment are crucial! Regular eye exams are essential for people with diabetes to catch and manage diabetic retinopathy before it causes significant vision loss.
