Can my eyes get damaged if I have diabetes?
If you have diabetes, your eyes can get damaged due to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. Here’s what happens:
High Sugar Levels: When your blood sugar is too high for too long, it can damage the tiny blood vessels in the back of your eyes, called the retina. The retina is like the camera film that captures images for your brain.
Blood Vessel Damage: These damaged vessels can swell, leak, or close off completely. Sometimes, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina. These changes can mess with your vision.
Vision Problems: At first, you might not notice anything, but over time, this damage can get worse and lead to vision problems, even blindness if not treated.
Cataracts and Glaucoma: Besides diabetic retinopathy, having diabetes also puts you at risk for other eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma.
That’s why if you have diabetes, it’s super important to keep your blood sugar levels under control and have regular eye exams to catch any problems early when they’re easier to treat.
