How diabetes affects vision: Symptoms, risks & eye care tips

Diabetic eye disease doesn’t announce itself loudly. It often creeps in gradually, unnoticed until vision begins to blur or dim. For many, these changes may feel sudden, but they are in fact the result of long-term, often invisible damage. From the delicate swelling of the retina to the growth of abnormal blood vessels that threaten sight, the eyes tell a powerful story of how systemic diseases like diabetes can quietly impact nearly every part of the body.

Globally, diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness among working-age adults. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that diabetic retinopathy accounts for 4.8 per cent of the 37 million cases of blindness worldwide.

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the prevalence of diabetes is a growing concern, with significant implications for public health.

The eye under siege

People with diabetes, whether diagnosed in childhood or later in life, are at increased risk for developing a spectrum of vision-threatening conditions. The longer the disease persists, the greater the likelihood of complications — even among those with relatively well-controlled blood sugar levels.

The most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes is diabetic macular edema (DME), where the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision, becomes swollen with fluid. Early symptoms can include blurred vision, floaters, and trouble seeing in dim lighting. Left untreated, DME can progress into more severe forms of diabetic retinopathy, which may include bleeding within the eye, retinal detachment, secondary glaucoma, and ultimately, total blindness.

At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, physicians such as Dr. Aniruddha Agarwal, MD, an Associate Staff Physician within the Ophthalmology Department of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Surgical Institute, are working to catch these signs early. Having successfully treated over 2,000 complex eye cases in 2024, the team uses some of the

most advanced diagnostic and treatment options available in the region to treat these conditions.

“Diabetes doesn’t just raise blood sugar — it alters your entire vascular system. The eye, because of its delicate network of blood vessels, is one of the first places where that damage becomes visible. Unfortunately, by the time people notice symptoms, the disease may already be advanced,” said Dr. Aniruddha Agarwal

The hospital’s approach to diabetic eye care has ushered in a new era — defined by cutting-edge technology, tailored treatments, and a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach.

Using advanced tools like ultra-widefield imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT), retina specialists can detect changes in the eye’s structure even before symptoms arise. Treatment often begins with intravitreal injections; small doses of medicine delivered directly into the eye to reduce inflammation and block abnormal blood vessel growth. In cases where bleeding or structural damage is present, laser therapy or vitrectomy surgery may be required.

Treatment options have evolved. In the past, laser surgery was the primary method for treating diabetic eye disease. Today, anti-VEGF injections, administered directly into the eye, can reduce retinal swelling and prevent further damage in many patients. These injections, along with advanced vitrectomy surgeries for severe cases, are available at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

“What’s changed in recent years is the emergence of longer-acting intravitreal injections. These new therapies allow us to maintain vision with fewer injections over time, improving not only outcomes but also patients’ experience,” added Dr. Agarwal.

Research-Driven Innovation

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is not just keeping up with global trends — it’s setting them. The hospital is actively participating in international clinical trial testing novel injection therapy for diabetic macular edema, part of its wider commitment to evidence-based care.

Since opening its doors, the eye institute at the hospital has contributed to over 200 peer-reviewed publications related to diabetes, reinforcing the institution’s role as a leader in clinical research.

One of the key advantages of receiving treatment at a hospital like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is its multidisciplinary approach. Diabetic patients are rarely dealing with a single health issue. Many also suffer from complications involving the heart, kidneys, or pancreas. That’s why the hospital coordinates care among ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, cardiologists and others to create a truly personalized treatment plan.

Each patient undergoes a detailed eye exam, metabolic assessment, and laboratory analysis. Electronic medical records allow physicians across specialties to collaborate in real time, ensuring decisions are both informed and timely.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is also playing a pivotal role by combining cutting-edge technology with a patient-centered approach. For example, the eye institute uses 3D heads-up vitrectomy systems, which significantly enhance surgical precision and improve patient outcomes.

This advanced technology allows for improved vision during surgery, giving surgeons a 3D view of the eye in real time. This is particularly crucial when performing delicate surgeries that aim to preserve or restore sight in diabetic patients. This level of advanced care is not only transforming outcomes for UAE and GCC patients—it’s also drawing people from abroad. Complex eye treatments are among the key services attracting international patients to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Many travel from across the world to access technologies and expertise not readily available in their home countries.

Eyes on the future

The most powerful tool in combating diabetic eye disease is early detection. Health experts recommend that individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes undergo an eye exam within five years of diagnosis, while those with type 2 diabetes should have their eyes checked immediately. In both cases, annual dilated retinal exams are essential.

“The eye is the only place in the body where we can directly observe blood vessels without surgery. It gives us a window into the health of the entire system. When we catch changes here, we can often save not just someone’s sight — but their life. Up to 90 per cent of vision loss from diabetes can be prevented or delayed with early intervention,” notes Dr. Agarwal. The hospital’s commitment to early screening is evident in the 1,000+ patients treated for diabetes-related eye conditions since its opening. Furthermore, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has seen an increasing number of younger patients seeking care for diabetic eye conditions.

As the global burden of diabetes continues to rise, the call to protect sight has never been more urgent. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is leveraging that window, not only through state-of-the-art technology but also with a team-based approach that puts the patient’s full health at the center of care.

The future of diabetic eye disease is about preventing it. It’s about empowering patients to take charge of their health, to see their eyes not just as instruments of sight but as vital indicators of overall wellbeing.

Ignoring eye health when living with diabetes is like ignoring a smoke alarm — it might stay quiet for a while, but the danger is already inside. The time to act is not when vision fades, but long before it begins to blur.

Call 800 82223, visit Clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae