What Diabetes Can Do to Your Eyes (Before You Even Notice)

Diabetes affects more than just your blood sugar — it can quietly damage your vision before you feel or see anything wrong. Diabetic eye disease, including diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, often develops without symptoms in its early stages. 

At North Suburban Eye, our board-certified eye doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic eye conditions. With locations in Wakefield, Winchester, and Waltham, MA, we offer expert care through advanced imaging, preventive screenings, and proven treatment options to help preserve vision over the long term.

How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes

High blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels that supply your retina, the part of your eye responsible for detailed central vision. Over time, this can lead to vessel leakage, swelling, and even the growth of abnormal blood vessels. This condition is known as diabetic retinopathy. 

If fluid builds up in the center of the retina, it can cause diabetic macular edema, which blurs vision and may make it harder to read or recognize faces.

Why Early Diabetic Eye Disease Often Goes Undetected

Your retina doesn’t have pain receptors, so damage may go unnoticed until your vision becomes blurry or distorted. Many people assume their eyesight is fine until the disease has progressed. That’s why annual comprehensive eye exams are essential for anyone with diabetes, even if you have no symptoms or your blood sugar is well controlled.

Who’s Most at Risk?

The longer you’ve had diabetes, the higher your risk of developing diabetic eye disease. Poorly controlled blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol also increase the likelihood of vision complications. You can also develop retinopathy over time even with well-managed diabetes, making regular screenings a critical part of long-term care.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Vision?

• Schedule annual dilated eye exams to detect changes early

• Monitor and manage blood sugar levels consistently

• Keep blood pressure and cholesterol within healthy ranges

• Don’t skip follow-up appointments or recommended treatments

At North Suburban Eye, we use state-of-the-art imaging to detect diabetic eye changes before they threaten your vision.

Schedule a Diabetic Eye Exam

Protecting your eyesight starts with early action. Whether you’ve had diabetes for years or were recently diagnosed, the team at North Suburban Eye is here to help. Contact 781-245-5200 to schedule a diabetic eye exam in Wakefield, Winchester, or Waltham, MA.