Seeing Clearly Doesn’t Always Mean Your Eyes Are Healthy

Raising awareness of the hidden effects of diabetes on vision and the importance of regular eye examinations.

When you think about diabetes, your eyesight might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But did you know that diabetes can increase your risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and other serious eye conditions, sometimes without any noticeable warning signs?

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, and Hawaiian Eye Center is encouraging Hawaiʻi residents living with diabetes to take a closer look at how the condition can affect their vision.

Three Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Eyes

Cataracts: People with diabetes are approximately twice as likely to develop cataracts, often at a younger age. Cataracts cloud the eye’s natural lens, causing blurry vision, faded colors, and increased sensitivity to glare. For patients with diabetes, cataract surgery may require additional evaluation to check for retinal damage and reduce the risk of complications.

Glaucoma: Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and can gradually affect peripheral vision. Because symptoms often go unnoticed in the early stages, regular eye examinations are especially important.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Over time, diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to swelling, bleeding, and potentially permanent vision loss. Early detection and appropriate treatment can help protect eyesight.

 

Vision Changes You Shouldn’t Ignore

People living with diabetes should contact an eye care professional if they notice:

• Blurry, cloudy, or distorted vision
• Increased glare or difficulty seeing at night
• New spots, floaters, or dark areas in their vision
• Flashes of light or changes in peripheral vision
• Persistent eye pain, pressure, or redness

Sudden vision loss, a sudden increase in floaters, flashes with a shadow or curtain across the vision, or severe eye pain require immediate medical attention.

“One of the biggest concerns with diabetic eye disease is that damage can begin long before a person notices any change in their vision,” said Dr. Steven Rhee, at Hawaiian Eye Center “the most important symptom may be no symptom at all which is why our comprehensive dilated eye examinations can reveal early signs of retinal damage, evaluate optic nerve health, and identify cataracts before they significantly interfere with everyday activities.”

For people living with diabetes, regular eye care is an important part of maintaining overall health. Hawaiian Eye Center encourages patients to follow their eye care provider’s recommended examination schedule rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.

With locations in Wahiawā, Kunia, and Honolulu, Hawaiian Eye Center provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including cataract evaluation and treatment, to help Hawaiʻi residents protect their vision.