Eye health and diabetes

Diabetes and your eyes

Having diabetes can affect your eyesight and increase your risk of some eye conditions.

Short-term effects on vision

The shape of the lenses in your eyes can change as your blood glucose levels go up and down. This can cause blurry vision if your blood glucose levels are changing often.

These vision changes are temporary and get better when your glucose levels are stable.

Eye conditions related to diabetes

Diabetes can affect the blood vessels in your retina. This can cause diabetes-related retinopathy.

Other eye conditions can also be more common in people with diabetes, including:  

• Glaucoma – a condition where pressure builds up inside your eyes. It can lead to damage to your optic nerve and vision problems.
• Cataracts – when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy, making your vision blurry and causing sensitivity to glare or bright lights.

Diabetes-related retinopathy

Diabetes-related retinopathy is a complication of diabetes. Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage the tiny blood vessels inside the retina, at the back of your eyes. This can affect your vision, but there are treatments available.

In its early stages, there may be no symptoms or changes to your vision. An eye test can detect damage to the back of your eye before you notice any changes to your vision.

Over time, retinopathy symptoms can develop, which include:

• blurred or wavy vision
• seeing floating spots or flashes
• discomfort with light and glare
• finding it hard to see at night.

If you notice any of these symptoms, see your optometrist or doctor straight away.

Treatments for diabetes-related retinopathy

Your eye doctor can let you know what treatments are available for retinopathy.

They may recommend regular monitoring of your eyes as well as:

• keeping your blood glucose levels in your target range as much as possible
• keeping your blood pressure in the healthy range
• keeping your cholesterol in the healthy range.

In some cases, your eye doctor may recommend treatments such as:

• laser therapy
• medicines
• surgery.

Looking after your eyes

The risk of diabetes-related eye problems increases if:

• your blood glucose levels are above your target range for long periods
• you have high blood pressure
• you have high cholesterol levels
• you have had diabetes (type 1 or type 2) for more than 10 years
• you have other diabetes-related complications.

It is important to work with your diabetes health professional to keep your blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol within your target ranges as much as possible.

Regular eye checks with your optometrist or eye doctor are recommended. Also, see your optometrist or eye doctor as soon as possible if you notice any changes in your vision.

When to have eye health checks

Having regular eye health checks is important. These checks involve looking for early signs of eye conditions, before any symptoms develop.

The checks involve:

• a vision test
• looking at the lenses in your eyes
• checking and taking a photograph of the retinas at the back of your eyes.

Ask your diabetes health professional about eye health checks and when to start having them. The timing depends on the type of diabetes you have and how long you’ve had diabetes.

Eye health checks should be done every 1 to 2 years in most people with diabetes.

Have your eyes checked more often if your doctor, optometrist or eye doctor advises you to. This is very important if you:

• already have an eye condition
• are pregnant
• are planning a pregnancy. 

How to have an eye health check

There are several health professionals who can do an eye check. 

Your doctor (GP)

Initially, your doctor (general practitioner, or GP) may check your eyes.

Your doctor will support you in how you manage your diabetes day-to-day. They will be your contact person if you need to be referred to other specialist health professionals. Your doctor can advise you how often you need to have an eye check.

Optometrist

An optometrist can check your eye health without the need for a medical referral. This is usually covered by Medicare. They may refer you to an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) for further tests or treatment.

Eye doctor (ophthalmologist)

An eye doctor (also called an ophthalmologist) is a medical specialist in eye care and management. You need a referral from your GP or optometrist to see an eye doctor.

When to see your health professional

See your doctor, optometrist or eye doctor if you:

• notice any changes to your vision
• have any questions about your eyes
• have any concerns about how your diabetes may affect your vision.