Diabetes affects many parts of the body, including your eyes. While most people are familiar with diabetic retinopathy, fewer realize that diabetes can also increase the risk of developing glaucoma. Understanding this connection is an important step in protecting your vision and recognizing the value of regular diabetic eye exams.
 

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is often linked to increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure. Because glaucoma usually develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, many people are unaware they have it until vision loss has already occurred.
 

How Diabetes Increases Glaucoma Risk

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma compared to those without diabetes. Elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those that nourish the optic nerve. Over time, this vascular damage may make the optic nerve more vulnerable to pressure-related injury.

In addition, diabetes is associated with abnormal blood vessel growth inside the eye. These fragile vessels can block normal fluid drainage, leading to increased eye pressure. One particularly severe form, known as neovascular glaucoma, is more commonly seen in individuals with long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes.
 

The Role of Diabetic Eye Exams

Regular diabetic eye exams play a critical role in detecting glaucoma early. During these exams, your eye doctor can:

• Measure eye pressure
• Examine the optic nerve for early signs of damage
• Assess blood vessel health in the retina
• Identify subtle changes before symptoms appear

Early detection is especially important because vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed. However, when caught early, glaucoma can often be managed effectively with medication, laser therapy, or other treatments to slow or prevent further damage.
 

Managing Diabetes to Protect Your Vision

Keeping your diabetes well controlled can help reduce your risk of glaucoma and other eye complications. This includes:

• Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels
• Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
• Following your doctor’s treatment plan
• Attending routine eye exams, even if your vision seems fine

A proactive approach to both diabetes management and eye care can make a significant difference in preserving your eyesight.
 

Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam Today

Diabetes can increase your risk of developing glaucoma, making regular eye care more important than ever. Because glaucoma often develops without early warning signs, routine diabetic eye exams are one of the most effective ways to protect your vision and catch potential problems before they cause lasting damage.

At Sacramento Eye Consultants, we are committed to helping patients with diabetes protect their vision through comprehensive eye care. If you have diabetes or are due for an eye exam, contact our office in Sacramento, Folsom, or Lincoln, California, by calling (916) 915-0300 to book an appointment today.