A Silent Threat and Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month
- Sophia Wong, MD
- Nov 4
- 6 min read
November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on one of the leading causes of preventable blindness among adults. For those living with diabetes, protecting your vision isn’t just about eye care. It's about whole-body health and early detection of changes that often start in the retina.
At Beacon Retina, we understand that diabetic eye disease can develop quietly, long before symptoms appear. That’s why our approach emphasizes early diagnosis, advanced imaging, and personalized care, helping you preserve clear vision for years to come. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explain:
How diabetes affects the eyes
What symptoms to watch for
Why early detection is critical
The most effective treatments for diabetic retinopathy and macular edema
What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the eyes as a result of diabetes. The most common and serious of these is diabetic retinopathy, caused by damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Over time, high blood sugar levels can weaken or block these vessels, disrupting the retina’s ability to transmit visual signals to the brain. When left untreated, this process can lead to vision loss and, in advanced cases, blindness.
The Major Types of Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic Retinopathy – Caused by chronic high blood sugar damaging retinal blood vessels.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) – Swelling in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision.
Cataracts – People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age.
Glaucoma – Diabetes increases the risk of developing glaucoma, a disease that damages the optic nerve.
While these conditions may sound intimidating, most vision loss from diabetes is preventable with regular monitoring and early treatment.
How Diabetes Damages the Eyes
The retina is a thin layer of tissue that lines the back of your eye. It contains millions of tiny blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients. When blood sugar remains high for extended periods, these vessels can become leaky, blocked, or abnormal.
In the early (non-proliferative) stages of diabetic retinopathy, the walls of the small blood vessels weaken and begin to leak fluid or blood into the retina. As the disease progresses to the proliferative stage, the retina grows new, fragile blood vessels that can rupture easily, leading to bleeding (vitreous hemorrhage), scarring, or even retinal detachment.
Key Warning Signs
Many people with diabetic retinopathy have no symptoms until the disease is advanced. However, when symptoms do appear, they may include:
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Floaters or dark spots
Areas of vision loss
Difficulty seeing at night
Sudden vision changes
Because these signs can develop gradually or suddenly, routine diabetic eye exams are the best way to catch problems early, before permanent damage occurs.
Why Early Detection Is So Important
Diabetic eye disease progresses silently in most patients. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 adults with diabetes has diabetic retinopathy, yet many are undiagnosed. The earlier that diabetic retinopathy is found, the more treatment options are available. In fact, studies show that 90% of severe vision loss can be prevented through early detection and timely intervention.
At Beacon Retina, we use high-resolution retinal imaging and OCT (optical coherence tomography) to detect even subtle changes in the retina. These scans allow for precise, noninvasive monitoring of your retinal health over time, giving you a clearer picture of your eye health.
The Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
1. Mild Non-Proliferative Retinopathy
Tiny bulges (microaneurysms) appear in retinal blood vessels. Usually, no symptoms are noticeable at this stage.
2. Moderate Non-Proliferative Retinopathy
Blood vessels may swell and distort. Small amounts of fluid or blood can leak into the retina, causing mild vision changes.
3. Severe Non-Proliferative Retinopathy
Many retinal blood vessels become blocked, depriving the retina of oxygen. This prompts the growth of new, abnormal vessels.
4. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
New blood vessels form on the surface of the retina. These vessels are fragile and may leak or cause scar tissue to pull on the retina, leading to bleeding or detachment, both of which threaten vision. By identifying disease in its earliest stages, routine exams help preserve sight long before symptoms arise.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): The Leading Cause of Vision Loss in Diabetes
DME occurs when fluid leaks into the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. This swelling causes blurriness or distortion that affects reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
Treatment for DME
Anti-VEGF Injections: These medications block abnormal vessel growth and reduce swelling.
Focal Laser Treatment: A precisely targeted laser seals leaking vessels.
Corticosteroid Therapy: Reduces inflammation and edema in select cases.
At Beacon Retina, we tailor DME treatment to each patient’s condition and comfort, ensuring the best possible visual outcomes. Factors may include the severity of the retinal swelling, as well as the location of the leaking blood vessels within the retina relative to your central vision (central swelling or peripheral swelling). Other factors like whether you've had cataract surgery and predisposition to glaucoma also helps your doctor decide which medications or procedures are the most appropriate.
How to Protect Your Eyes from Diabetes-Related Vision Loss
While professional retina care is essential, your daily choices also play a major role in preserving vision. Here are practical steps to reduce your risk:
1. Keep Blood Sugar Under Control
Stable blood sugar helps prevent new blood vessel damage and slows the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Work closely with your primary care physician or endocrinologist to maintain healthy glucose levels.
2. Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
High blood pressure and cholesterol can worsen retinal damage. Lifestyle changes and medication, if needed, can help protect your eyes.
3. Quit Smoking
Smoking accelerates vascular damage and increases the risk of diabetic complications, including eye disease, not to mention age-related macular degeneration.
4. Exercise and Eat a Balanced Diet
A diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids supports vascular and retinal health.
5. Schedule Regular Retina Exams
Even if your vision feels fine, you should have a comprehensive diabetic eye exam at least once a year — or more often if recommended.
What to Expect During a Diabetic Eye Exam at Beacon Retina
At Beacon Retina, your visit is designed to be thorough, comfortable, and unhurried. Unlike high-volume clinics, our concierge-style practice allows us to spend time understanding your medical history, lifestyle, and visual goals.
Your diabetic eye exam typically includes:
Comprehensive medical and vision history review
Dilated retinal examination for detailed visualization of the retina
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate microscopic retinal layers
Wide-field retinal imaging to detect early blood vessel changes
Personalized discussion and care plan based on findings
We believe patient education is key, and you’ll leave your visit with a clear understanding of your eye health and next steps.
Advanced Treatment Options for Diabetic Eye Disease
When diabetic retinopathy or DME requires treatment, we offer the latest, evidence-based therapies, including:
Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injections: Medications such as aflibercept, bevacizumab, or faricimab target abnormal vessel growth and fluid leakage.
Laser Photocoagulation: A precise laser seals leaking vessels and prevents further damage. Beacon Retina is also proud to offer micropulse laser, a less invasive modality that leaves no laser scars and can be repeated as often as necessary.
Vitrectomy Surgery: In advanced cases, a minimally invasive procedure can remove blood or scar tissue from the eye.
Our goal is to protect and stabilize your vision while providing a calm, supportive environment for your care.
The Importance of Community Awareness
Diabetic eye disease doesn’t just affect individuals. It affects families and communities, especially if it progresses to blindness and limits one's ability to work and support themselves and family. Raising awareness can help more people seek early care and avoid unnecessary vision loss. During Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, take time to:
Encourage loved ones with diabetes to schedule their annual eye exam
Share educational resources about diabetic retinopathy
Support organizations that promote diabetes research and education
Together, we can reduce the burden of preventable blindness and promote long-term eye health.
Take the Next Step: Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam
If you have diabetes — or a loved one does — don’t wait until vision changes occur. Early detection is your strongest defense against sight-threatening complications.
At Beacon Retina in Bethesda, Maryland, we combine advanced imaging, expert diagnosis, and compassionate, personalized care to protect your vision for the long term.
Dr. Sophia Wong is a retina specialist, surgeon and board-certified ophthalmologist. She established Beacon Retina in Bethesda, Maryland, where the priority is on thoughtful, patient-centered care for preserving long-term vision.
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