---
title: "Diabetes and your eyes | Eye Health Guide"
description: "Why people with diabetes need regular eye screening, recommended intervals, and how diabetic retinopathy is detected and treated. Clinically reviewed."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/eye-care/diabetes-and-eyes/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Eye care guide

# Diabetes and your eyes

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels at the back of the eye before you notice any vision change. Regular diabetic eye screening finds diabetic retinopathy early, when treatment is most effective. Most programmes invite people with diabetes for annual photographic screening from puberty onwards, or from diagnosis in older adults.

### On this page ⌄

1. Why eye screening matters
2. How often to attend
3. What happens at screening
4. Warning signs between screens
5. Frequently asked questions

## Why eye screening matters

High blood sugar can weaken retinal blood vessels, causing them to leak or grow abnormally. This is diabetic retinopathy. It is a leading cause of sight loss in working-age adults, yet early changes are treatable if caught in time. Screening uses photographs of the retina to spot changes before symptoms appear.

## How often to attend

WHO and NHS guidance emphasise annual screening for most people with diabetes once they reach the eligible age.

- Type 1 diabetes: from age 12 (or earlier if advised), then yearly
- Type 2 diabetes: from diagnosis, then yearly
- More frequent review if changes are found or pregnancy is planned
- Keep diabetes and blood pressure well controlled between appointments

## What happens at screening

Screening is not the same as a glasses test. Drops may dilate your pupils so cameras can photograph the retina. Results are graded and you are told if referral to a hospital eye clinic is needed. Treatment may include laser, injections or closer monitoring.

## Warning signs between screens

Attend screening even when vision feels normal, but seek urgent advice for sudden vision loss, many new floaters, or a curtain across vision. These are not typical screening findings and need immediate assessment.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I drive after diabetic eye screening?

Dilating drops blur near vision for a few hours. Bring sunglasses and avoid driving until your vision has cleared if you are unsure.

### Does good blood sugar mean I can skip screening?

No. Good control lowers risk but does not remove it. Regular screening is still essential.

### Is diabetic eye disease treatable?

Yes, especially when found early. Laser, injections and good diabetes control can protect vision, which is why screening programmes exist.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [National Eye Institute - Diabetic Retinopathy](https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/diabetic-retinopathy)