Can Diabetes Increase the Risk of Developing Glaucoma?

Diabetes affects many areas of the body, and vision is one of the most important. While most people are aware of the link between diabetes and conditions like diabetic retinopathy, fewer realize that diabetes can also increase the risk of developing glaucoma. Understanding this connection highlights why regular diabetic eye exams are essential for preserving long-term eye health.
 

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is essential for clear vision. This damage is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure, though glaucoma can also occur with normal eye pressure. Because glaucoma typically develops slowly and without early symptoms, it is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss when left undetected.
 

How Diabetes Affects Eye Health

Diabetes can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those that supply the eyes. Over time, high blood sugar levels may weaken these vessels, reduce healthy blood flow, and increase inflammation. These changes can interfere with normal fluid drainage in the eye, contributing to increased eye pressure - a key risk factor for glaucoma.

Additionally, people with diabetes are more likely to develop certain forms of glaucoma, including neovascular glaucoma, which occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow on the iris and block fluid drainage. This type of glaucoma is particularly aggressive and more common in individuals with long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes.
 

The Link Between Diabetes and Glaucoma Risk

Research shows that individuals with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop glaucoma compared to those without diabetes. While not everyone with diabetes will develop glaucoma, the elevated risk makes early detection especially important. Since both diabetes-related eye conditions and glaucoma can progress silently, relying on symptoms alone is not enough to safeguard vision.
 

Why Regular Diabetic Eye Exams Are Essential

Routine diabetic eye exams are essential for detecting subtle changes in eye health before vision loss occurs. During these eye exams, your optometrist evaluates eye pressure, examines the optic nerve, and checks for signs of diabetic eye disease such as diabetic retinopathy - all of which can help identify glaucoma in its earliest stages.

Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment, which may include prescription eye drops, lifestyle adjustments, or referrals for advanced care when necessary. Managing blood sugar levels alongside regular eye care significantly reduces the risk of serious vision complications.
 

Managing Your Risk

If you have diabetes, protecting your vision involves a proactive approach. This includes maintaining stable blood sugar levels, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and scheduling routine eye exams - even if your vision seems fine. Consistent eye care is one of the most effective ways to detect glaucoma early and preserve long-term eye health.
 

Stay Ahead of Diabetes-Related Eye Disease

Diabetes can increase the risk of developing glaucoma, making regular diabetic eye exams more important than ever. Because glaucoma often progresses without warning signs, early detection is key to preventing permanent vision loss. By staying informed and prioritizing routine eye care, individuals with diabetes can take meaningful steps toward protecting their sight for years to come.

If you have diabetes, schedule a diabetic eye exam at Clearfinity Eyecare Optometrist to monitor your eye health, detect potential issues early, and safeguard your vision. Visit our office in Lorton, Virginia, or call (703) 260-9908 to book an appointment today.