Our eyes connect us to the world – from the pages of a favorite book to the glow of a sunset or the faces we love most. For those living with diabetes, protecting that connection is especially important. Diabetes can affect the fine blood vessels at the back of the eye, leading to a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. Left undetected, it remains one of the leading causes of blindness in adults.
The reassuring news? With simple, routine eye screening, most complications can be caught early and treated before they cause lasting harm. In this article, we’ll look at why diabetic eye screening matters, what happens during the eye health test and the everyday steps you can take to safeguard your vision – so you can keep enjoying life’s moments with clarity.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It occurs when raised blood sugar levels gradually damage the fine network of blood vessels at the back of the eye. These changes often happen without obvious symptoms, yet over time they can lead to blurred vision or even permanent sight loss.
Why is diabetic eye screening important?
Research published in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities research shows that not every American diabetic goes for a yearly screening, and it’s estimated that 50% of diabetics do not get routine eye screens. For many, regular screening is the difference between living with clarity and confidence or facing avoidable sight loss.
Protecting your vision means protecting your independence, your work, your family life – and the everyday pleasures, from reading to travel, that make life rich.
What is eye screening?
Diabetic eye screening is designed to catch potential problems before you notice any changes in your sight. For anyone living with diabetes, these checks are an essential part of long-term care. It’s also worth knowing that this is not the same as a standard eye test with your optician.
A regular sight test checks for a wider range of issues, such as changes in prescription or conditions like glaucoma, and should still be part of your routine eye care. Together, these two checks give you the best protection for your eyesight – both day to day and long term.
How often should I be screened?
Early detection is highly effective. The American Diabetic Association recommends that all diabetics get a dilated eye exam once a year – a simple step that protects long-term vision. Eye screening is a cornerstone of diabetes care, whatever type you live with.
Why early detection makes all the difference
Eye health rarely announces problems loudly – changes can creep in without you noticing. By the time vision is affected, the condition may already be advanced. Annual screening helps catch issues early, when treatment is most effective, reducing the risk of permanent damage. Think of it as a safety net, protecting not just your sight but your quality of life.
The challenge is that retinopathy rarely reveals itself early on. In its first stages there are usually no symptoms, meaning damage can build quietly until it is harder to reverse. Routine screening changes that. By checking the health of your eyes regularly, specialists can spot the earliest signs of change and step in before the condition progresses.
What happens during an eye screening?
Eye screenings are quick, straightforward and carried out by experienced professionals. The focus is always on the health of your retina – the delicate layer at the back of the eye where the first signs of diabetic changes can appear. The aim is simple: to spot problems early, so treatment can be given before your vision is affected.
Step 1: Initial eye check
Your appointment usually begins with a quick check of your eyes before moving on to the main screening. This helps your healthcare professional prepare for a closer look.
Step 2: Retinal photography
A specialized camera takes detailed images of the back of each eye, using a brief flash of light. The process is painless, your eye is never touched and the images give a clear picture of how healthy your retina is.
Step 3: Dilating eye drops (if needed)
Sometimes, drops are used to widen your pupils so the back of the eye can be seen more clearly. These can sting a little and may leave your vision blurred for up to six hours. Many people bring sunglasses for the journey home and arrange a lift rather than drive themselves.
Step 4: Reviewing your results
Your healthcare professional will examine the images and blood vessels at the back of your eye. You’ll receive clear advice on your results and any next steps if treatment or follow-up is needed.
While you can choose not to attend, routine screening is highly recommended. It’s a simple part of diabetes care that can prevent serious complications and help preserve your vision for years to come.
Looking after your eyes
Your annual eye screening is the most effective way to track how your eyes are doing and to spot early signs of diabetic changes before they cause problems. But there are also everyday steps you can take to protect your vision and reduce the risk of complications. These include:
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Telling your eye doctor about any changes to your eyesight
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Keeping your blood sugar within your target range
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Managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels
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Eating a healthy, balanced diet and staying physically active
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Stopping smoking if you smoke. Read more in our article - Understanding the links between eye disease and smoking.
If eye problems do start to develop, your healthcare team will be there to guide you through treatment options. The earlier an issue is spotted, the more chance you have of preventing it from progressing.
Everyday eye care from daysoft
Caring for your eyes doesn’t need to feel clinical. Just as you might choose nourishing food, a skincare ritual or regular movement, diabetic eye screening is part of everyday wellbeing. And if you already wear daily disposable contact lenses, like daysoft, you’ll know how powerful a simple routine choice can be in bringing comfort, clarity and confidence. Eye care is no different – it’s about making space for habits that help you feel and see your best, every day.
