Diabetes-Related Eye Health

Also known asDiabetic Retinopathy · Diabetic Eye Disease · Diabetic Macular Oedema · Diabetes and Eyes · 糖尿病视网膜病变 · 糖尿病眼病

What it is

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels at the back of the eye caused by long-term high blood sugar. In the early stages there are no symptoms, but it can progress to vision loss. Diabetes also raises the risk of cataract and glaucoma.

How food and lifestyle can help

The most effective protection is to keep blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol in your target range, not smoke, and have a dilated eye screening at least once a year, even when your vision seems fine. The eating pattern is the same as for Type 2 Diabetes: more fibre, vegetables, beans and fish, and fewer sugary drinks and refined starches.

Foods and nutrients to focus on

1. Vegetables, beans, whole grains, fish and nuts.
2. Less salt to help blood pressure (sodium).

Foods and drinks to limit

1. Sugary drinks, sweets and large starchy portions.
2. Smoking.

Good to know

1. A big, fast drop in blood sugar, for example after starting new treatment or very intensive control, can temporarily worsen retinopathy. Tell your diabetes and eye teams before making big changes.
2. The same small blood vessels are affected in the kidneys: see Kidney Disease.
3. Treatments such as laser and injections work best when the problem is found early.

When to see a doctor

1. Any sudden change in vision, many new floaters, flashes or a dark curtain: urgent care.
2. You have diabetes and have not had an eye screening in the last 12 months.
3. You are planning pregnancy or are pregnant with diabetes: ask for an eye check.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have a medical condition or take medicines, check changes to your diet with your doctor or a registered dietitian.

NHS — Diabetic retinopathy, used for the main facts: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/