HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Overview of diabetes & your eyes
Tirohanga whānui ki te matehuka me ō karu
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If you have diabetes, you need regular eye checks because you have an increased risk of several eye problems. If not picked up early they can lead to the loss of part or all of your sight.
You can get damaged eyes before you notice any change in your vision. Diabetes eye checks (retinal screening) can pick up early signs of damage so it can be treated.
When diabetes eye damage is more severe, it may not be treatable and there is a risk you could lose your sight.
Types of eye disease that can affect people with diabetes
Diabetic retinopathy
Over time, high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels at the back of your eye (retina). This is known as diabetic retinopathy. Changes can range from mild to severe affecting your sight and possibly leading to blindness. You can have early diabetic retinopathy without knowing it. There are treatments that can slow the disease and save your sight if they're done early enough.
Glaucoma
People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from glaucoma. The longer someone has had diabetes, the more likely they are to get glaucoma. Glaucoma is an increase in pressure inside your eye that can make you lose your vision. Your risk of glaucoma increases with age. You can get your eyes checked for signs of glaucoma when you have your diabetes eye check.
Cataracts
People with diabetes are also more likely to get cataracts, and to get them at a younger age. Their cataracts are also likely to get worse much more quickly. A cataract is when the eye's clear lens gets cloudy, blocking light.
Self-care for your eyes with diabetes
You can look after your eyes by:
- having good control of your blood glucose (sugar) levels
- not smoking
- having a diabetes eye check every two years. You do not have to pay for this check.
- getting an extra eye examination and monitoring your diabetes closely with your general practice team if you're pregnant
- immediately telling your doctor or eye-care professional if there are any sudden changes to your vision
- having your blood pressure and cholesterol checked and treated if too high.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Diabetes New Zealand – Eyes
Information about diabetic eye disease.
- EyeSmart – What is diabetic retinopathy?
This page has short, animated videos showing how diabetic retinopathy develops.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed March 2023.
Sources
Review key: HIDYE-139181
