Living with diabetes means taking care of every part of your health — including your eyes. That’s because high blood sugar can affect the tiny blood vessels in the back of the eye, increasing the risk of a condition called diabetic retinopathy. But with regular eye tests and the right care, you can protect your vision for life.
The connection between diabetes and eye health
Your eyes are closely linked to your overall health. When blood sugar levels are high, the blood vessels in the retina — the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye — can become damaged or leaky. Over time, this can blur your vision or cause other changes that need medical attention.
The good news is that these changes often happen slowly and can be detected early during a diabetic eye screening or comprehensive eye test. Catching them early allows for treatment or lifestyle adjustments that can prevent vision loss.
Spotting the early signs
In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause any noticeable symptoms. That’s why routine checks are so important.
Signs to look out for include:
✔ Blurred or patchy vision
✔ Floaters or dark spots
✔ Changes in colour perception
✔ Sudden difficulty focusing
If you notice any of these, it’s important to get your eyes checked as soon as possible — even if you’ve had a recent appointment.
Prevention through regular care
For most people, maintaining regular annual diabetic eye screenings — alongside healthy lifestyle habits — is the best way to protect vision. Managing blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol all play a part in keeping your eyes healthy.
At Eye Emporium, our optometrists are trained to spot the earliest signs of diabetic eye changes. Through advanced retinal imaging and comprehensive eye exams, we help monitor your vision and overall health with care and reassurance.
Your eyes and your wellbeing
Eye health is a powerful reflection of general wellbeing. Regular eye tests don’t just protect your sight — they can also reveal signs of broader health concerns such as hypertension or vascular changes. Keeping your appointments up to date is one of the simplest, most effective ways to take care of your long-term health.
Book your comprehensive eye test today.
Our friendly optometrists are here to help you protect your vision — and your health — for life.
