Diabetes & Your Eyes
If you have diabetes — type 1 or type 2 — it can quietly affect your eyes long before you notice any change in your vision. High blood sugar over time damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. This is called diabetic retinopathy, and it is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults in the US.
The most important thing to know: you can have significant diabetic eye disease with no symptoms at all. Your vision can feel completely normal while damage is already occurring. This is why every person with diabetes should have a dilated retinal exam every year, even if they feel fine.
The good news is that with early detection and proper treatment, most vision loss from diabetic eye disease is preventable. Dr. Smithen works closely with patients to monitor their retinal health and act early — before problems become serious.
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Floaters or dark spots in your vision
- Colors looking washed out
- Difficulty reading or seeing fine detail
- Often: no symptoms at all in early stages
Forms of diabetic eye disease
Background Diabetic Retinopathy
The earliest stage — small blood vessel changes in the retina that have not yet affected your vision. Regular monitoring is key.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
Fluid leaks into the central part of the retina, blurring central vision. Highly treatable with injections.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
The advanced stage — new, fragile blood vessels grow and can bleed, causing sudden vision loss. Requires prompt treatment.
Annual eye exams save sight. The American Diabetes Association recommends a dilated eye exam every year for anyone with diabetes. Dr. Smithen can detect retinal changes years before they affect your vision — giving you the best possible chance of protecting your sight.