7 Essential Tips for Managing Diabetes and Eye Health

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on November 3, 2025

November marks Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Month, a time to focus on how diabetes affects vision and what you can do to protect it. At Missouri Eye Institute, we see firsthand how early action and consistent care can preserve sight. 

If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, there is no time to waste: Uncontrolled diabetes can quickly wreak havoc on your health and vision. Here are seven essential tips you can put on your radar now to help you manage diabetes and safeguard your eye health.

1. Understand diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetes-related eye disease. It damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina and can lead to vision loss if untreated. Regular eye exams are the best defense, allowing our specialists to detect changes even before symptoms appear.

2. Watch for diabetic macular edema.

When fluid leaks into the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp vision, it causes swelling and blurriness. If this condition is detected during your eye exam, Missouri Eye Institute will advise you on how to get advanced treatments like anti-VEGF injections to help stabilize vision and prevent further damage.

3. Know your glaucoma risk.

Diabetes doubles the risk of glaucoma, a disease in which increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve. Because glaucoma often develops silently, routine pressure checks and optic nerve imaging are part of your Missouri Eye Institute exam, as they are critical for early detection.

4. Address cataracts early.

Diabetes accelerates cataract formation, clouding the eye’s natural lens. Cataract surgery is safe and effective, and our surgeons use advanced techniques to restore vision clarity.

At Missouri Eye Institute, cataract surgery can be customized with advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs). These lenses not only replace the cloudy natural lens but also correct vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, or even correct presbyopia with multifocal cataract surgery. This tailored approach helps patients achieve sharper, more personalized vision outcomes.

5. Prevent retinal detachment and bleeding.

Advanced diabetic retinopathy can cause vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment—both emergencies that threaten permanent sight loss. If you experience symptoms such as sudden flashes of light, blurriness, or shadows, floaters and “cobwebs” in your visual field, seek immediate medical attention at an ER or your eye doctor, if available.

6. Control blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.

Consistent blood sugar control is the single most effective way to reduce eye complications. Pair this with healthy blood pressure and cholesterol management to protect your eyes and overall health. Work with your primary care provider on a nutrition and fitness plan to control diabetes and improve heart health.

7. Commit to lifestyle changes.

Quitting smoking, staying active and following your doctor’s treatment plan all reduce the risk of vision loss from nearly every potential sight-stealing condition. Missouri Eye Institute can advise you on your greatest risk factors and how to lower your risks.

Diabetes doesn’t have to mean losing your vision. With proactive management and expert care, you can protect your sight for years to come. Missouri Eye Institute is here to guide you every step of the way—from annual screenings to advanced treatments and even elective procedures for vision correction. Call (800) 383-3831 to schedule your diabetic eye exam today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs of diabetic eye disease? 

Early signs may include blurry vision, floaters or difficulty with night vision. At Missouri Eye Institute, our specialists use advanced imaging to detect changes before symptoms become severe.

How often should people with diabetes get an eye exam?

Most experts recommend a comprehensive dilated eye exam once a year. Missouri Eye Institute offers convenient scheduling across Springfield, Branson and Joplin to make annual exams easy.

Can diabetic eye disease be reversed? 

While damage cannot always be reversed, treatments can slow or stop progression. Missouri Eye Institute provides laser therapy, injections, medications and surgery to preserve as much vision as possible.

Is cataract surgery safe for people with diabetes? 

Yes, cataract surgery is generally safe for diabetic patients when managed carefully. Missouri Eye Institute surgeons also offer advanced IOLs to improve vision outcomes after surgery.

Does diabetes increase the risk of glaucoma? 

Yes, diabetes significantly raises the risk of developing glaucoma and other eye conditions. Missouri Eye Institute provides regular pressure checks and optic nerve evaluations to catch glaucoma early.

Can LASIK be an option if I have diabetes? 

LASIK may be possible for some patients with well-controlled diabetes. Missouri Eye Institute evaluates each case individually to determine if a Missouri Eye Institute LASIK procedure is a safe and effective option. A LASIK Self-Test is a great place to start to see if you may qualify.

Missouri Eye Institute has helped thousands of patients attain freedom from glasses and contact lenses, with convenient locations in Springfield, Joplin and Branson. Contact us at (800) 383-3831 to schedule a thorough consultation or visit MissouriEye.com to learn more about our services.