Diabetes and the risk to your eyes
In the United States, roughly one in ten adults with diabetes will develop eye diseases that threaten vision. Regular eye care complements diet and exercise in protecting ocular health, yet many patients overlook this essential safeguard.
The study behind the findings
A collaboration between the CDC and Wills Eye Hospital evaluated nearly 2,000 adults aged 40 and older with type 1 or type 2 diabetes over four years. The researchers found that more than half did not complete the recommended annual dilated eye exams, a routine that can detect problems before they cause noticeable damage.
Who is more likely to skip the exam
The study highlighted several patterns. Diabetic smokers and individuals with milder disease who did not currently experience vision problems were the most likely to miss these crucial checks. Conversely, patients who had already been diagnosed with diabetic eye disease were about 30 percent more likely to receive follow-up exams than those without prior eye issues.
Why the dilation matters
A yearly dilated eye exam allows an ophthalmologist to detect retinopathy and other eye conditions early, when treatment is most effective. The researchers note that timely dilation and evaluation can prevent up to 95 percent of diabetes-related vision loss, underscoring the exam’s protective value.
Practical steps to protect your vision
If you have diabetes, schedule an eye exam with dilation at least once a year. Coordinate this appointment with your primary care provider and align your eye care with your overall diabetes management plan. Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, along with quitting smoking, enhances the protection offered by a dilated eye exam. If you notice changes in vision such as blurriness, floaters, or sudden shifts, seek care promptly.
Bottom line
Managing diabetes means more than diet and exercise. Regular, dilated eye exams are a proven shield against vision loss and should be a central part of every diabetes care routine.
