Eye problems (Retinopathy)

Diabetes can cause problems with your eyes. When your blood sugar is not under control, it can lead to many problems with your eyesight like blindness without any warning. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults in the United States.

You can keep your eyes healthy when you have diabetes by:

• Keeping your blood sugar under control to avoid eye disease.
• Managing your high blood pressure.
• If you smoke, quit smoking.
• Visit an eye doctor once a year for a dilated eye exam.

When To See An Eye Doctor

Make an appointment to see an eye doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Your vision becomes blurry
• Trouble reading signs or books
• Seeing double
• Pain in one or both eyes
• Eye redness and it does not go away
• Pressure in your eye
• Seeing spots or things floating
• Not being able to see a straight line
• Trouble seeing things from the side

Talk to your doctor about steps you can take to control your blood sugar and keeping your eyes healthy.