The importance of controlling blood glucose to protect your vision

06 November 2025

Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels is not only essential for overall health but also for protecting your eyesight. The eyes are highly sensitive to metabolic changes, and excess sugar in the blood can directly affect the blood vessels in the retina, progressively compromising vision.

How does high glucose affect the eyes?

When glucose levels remain elevated for a long time, the small blood vessels in the retina —the inner layer of the eye that captures images— can become damaged. This leads to a condition known as diabetic retinopathy, one of the main causes of vision loss in adults.

In addition, poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, and temporary blurred vision due to swelling of the lens.

Early detection makes the difference

Eye damage caused by diabetes often progresses silently, without symptoms at first. That’s why people diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes should have regular eye exams, even if their vision seems fine. Routine check-ups allow early detection of damage and timely treatment, preventing severe complications.

Recommendations for protecting your eye health

• Keep your glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control.

• Maintain a balanced diet low in simple sugars.

• Exercise regularly.

• Avoid smoking.

• Visit your eye doctor at least once a year, or more often if recommended.

Taking care of your glucose means taking care of your vision. With proper medical supervision and healthy habits, you can prevent eye damage and preserve clear vision throughout life.