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Regular eye check-ups are crucial for people with diabetes as they help detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy, a major risk factor for vision loss

- By Chiranti Sengupta Senior Editor

Diabetic retinopathy is one of those silent complications that can sneak up on people with diabetes if they're not careful.

It affects the eyes and, if left unchecked, can lead to serious vision problems or even blindness. That's why it's so important for anyone living with diabetes to know about it, go for regular eye checkups, and keep their blood sugar in control, because early detection really can save your sight.

Diabetic retinopathy happens when high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. In the early stages, symptoms may be mild or nonexistent, making regular screening critical. Over time, untreated changes can cause blurry vision, floaters, or even complete vision loss.