Diabetes and Vision: Diabetic Retinopathy

By: Savita Perera

There is no question that living with diabetes requires careful management of many aspects of health, but did you know that one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of diabetes management is having your yearly eye exam? Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes, and it can lead to vision loss if it's not detected and treated early (CDC, 2024). In Canada, diabetic retinopathy affects approximately 1 million people, and it is the leading cause of blindness in working age adults (Fighting Blindness Canada, 2020). 

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina. The retina is the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that sends visual signals to the brain. In people with diabetes, high blood sugar levels over time can damage the small blood vessels that supply the retina. These blood vessels may swell, leak fluid, or close off completely, and in some cases, abnormal new vessels can grow on the surface of the retina, which can cause serious vision problems (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). 

Diabetic retinopathy usually develops gradually and often does not show noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This is why regular eye exams are essential for all diabetics! As the condition progresses, individuals might begin to experience blurred vision, dark or empty spots in their field of view, difficulty seeing at night, or fluctuating vision. In severe, untreated cases, diabetic retinopathy can lead to permanent vision loss as well (Fighting Blindness Canada, 2020). 

Fortunately, diabetic retinopathy can often be prevented or managed effectively with proper care. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is the most important step, but managing blood pressure and cholesterol also helps to reduce the risk of damage to retinal blood vessels. Regular comprehensive eye exams, including dilated retinal examinations, allow eye care professionals to detect early signs of the disease even before symptoms appear (Diabetes Canada, 2026). 

If diabetic retinopathy is detected, several treatment options are available depending on the severity of the condition. These treatments can include medications injected into the eye to reduce swelling, laser therapy to seal leaking blood vessels, or surgery in advanced cases to remove blood from the vitreous (the gel that fills the eye). Early treatment significantly improves the chances of preserving vision! (Conlon Eye Institute, n.d.). 

Awareness and prevention are key. With the global rise in diabetes, diabetic retinopathy has become one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the world. However with good diabetes management, routine eye examinations, and early treatment, many people can maintain healthy vision throughout their lives. Taking proactive steps today can make a critical difference in protecting sight for the future! (CDC, 2024; Diabetes Canada, 2026). 

** Interested in learning more about diabetic retinopathy and the intersection between diabetes and vision? Come out to our research seminar on March 19, 2026! Full details are available on our socials (@macmda). 

Works Cited: 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Vision Loss and Diabetes. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-vision-loss.html#:~:text=What%20to%20know,can%20also%20increase%20your%20risk:

Conlon Eye Institute. (n.d.). Diabetic Retinopathy. Conlon Eye Institute. https://conloneyeinstitute.com/eye-conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/#:~:text=These%20diagnostic%20tools%20help%20healthcare,the%20formation%20of%20scar%20tissue.

Diabetes Canada. (2026). Eye damage (diabetic retinopathy). Diabetes Canada. https://www.diabetes.ca/resources/tools---resources/eye-damage-(diabetic-retinopathy)#:~:text=Many%20people%20living%20with%20diabetes,to%20get%20an%20eye%20exam

Fighting Blindness Canada. (2020). Diabetic Retinopathy. Fighting Blindness Canada. https://www.fightingblindness.ca/eyehealth/eye-diseases/diabetic-retinopathy/#:~:text=glaucoma%20and%20cataracts.-,Symptoms,Sudden%20loss%20of%20vision

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Diabetic retinopathy - Symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371611