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What is diabetic eye disease?
Who is at risk?
Anyone with diabetes is at risk, and risk increases with the number of years you’ve had diabetes. In U.S. adults with diagnosed diabetes, an estimated 40–45% have some degree of diabetic retinopathy.
Symptoms (and why you may not feel them)
Early diabetic retinopathy often has no pain and no symptoms. As vessels weaken and leak, you may notice blurred vision; swelling in the macula (macular edema) or bleeding from new vessels can block vision. Don’t wait for symptoms—detect it early.
What happens during a diabetic eye exam?
We perform a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Drops gently widen the pupils so your doctor can examine the retina and optic nerve with special lenses. Vision may be blurry for a few hours afterwards—bring sunglasses and consider a driver.
Treatment options we may discuss
Depending on the findings, evidence-based treatments can include:
- Laser therapy to shrink or seal abnormal leaking vessels.
- In-office injections that reduce leakage and can improve vision.
Your doctor will tailor care to your eyes and overall health.
Protecting your vision with diabetes
Healthy eyes start with whole-health habits:
- TRACK it: Take meds as prescribed; Reach a healthy weight; Add physical activity; Control your A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol; Kick smoking.
- Schedule a yearly dilated eye exam—or sooner if vision changes.
- If you’re pregnant and have diabetes, see an eye doctor as soon as possible and throughout pregnancy.
Other eye conditions linked to diabetes
People with diabetes are about twice as likely to develop cataracts and glaucoma compared with those without diabetes. Cataracts are treated with surgery; glaucoma is treated with medicines and/or surgery.
Your Visit at Simply Eyes Hawaii (what to expect)
- Personalized history & risk review (A1C, BP, meds, symptoms).
- Visual acuity & pressure checks.
- Pupil dilation + retinal/nerve evaluation; digital imaging as needed.
- Clear results & plan: prevention tips, follow-up timing, and treatment or referral when appropriate.
- Coordination with your PCP/endocrinologist
Diabetic Eye Exam FAQs
Damage to the retina’s tiny blood vessels caused by diabetes. It can leak fluid or grow fragile new vessels that bleed, leading to vision loss if untreated.
At least once a year for anyone with diabetes—or sooner if your doctor recommends it or your vision changes.
Yes. Early disease is often symptom-free; dilation lets your doctor see problems before you notice vision changes.
Laser therapy and in-office injections can slow leakage, shrink abnormal vessels, and often improve vision, depending on the case.
Yes. Schedule an exam as soon as possible and continue follow-ups during pregnancy.