Most people associate diabetes with blood sugar levels — but it can also change how you see the world around you.
At Child and Family Vision Center in Ankeny, we often remind our patients that vision health is deeply connected to overall health. Diabetes doesn’t just increase the risk of eye diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy — it can also subtly affect how you perceive color, contrast, and depth. These changes can impact daily tasks such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces.
Why Diabetes Affects the Way You See
When blood sugar remains elevated for long periods, it can damage the tiny blood vessels that supply oxygen to the retina — the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye responsible for processing visual information. This condition, called diabetic retinopathy, can cause swelling, fluid leakage, and restricted blood flow, all of which interfere with how the retina interprets light and color.
People with diabetes may gradually notice that colors appear faded, blues and yellows look similar, or that their ability to judge distances feels slightly “off.” These symptoms often develop slowly, so they’re easy to overlook until daily vision becomes noticeably affected.
The Role of Depth Perception
Depth perception depends on the brain’s ability to combine input from both eyes. When diabetes affects one eye more than the other, it can disrupt this coordination, leading to reduced spatial awareness. That’s why some people with diabetic vision changes have trouble with stairs, parking a car, or catching a ball — tasks that rely on precise eye-brain teamwork.
Fortunately, many of these issues can be managed or slowed with consistent care and early detection.
How Eye Exams Help Detect These Subtle Changes
The best way to identify these early changes is through a comprehensive eye exam. At Child and Family Vision Center, Dr. Erik and his team use advanced diagnostic tools to examine every layer of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve.
During a dilated eye exam, your optometrist can detect even the smallest signs of swelling, leaking fluid, or blood vessel damage before you notice symptoms like blurry vision or color distortion.
These visits aren’t just about checking for glasses prescriptions — they’re about preserving healthy vision for life. If you live with diabetes, scheduling routine exams at least once a year helps prevent serious eye conditions and protects your ability to see colors and depth clearly.
What to Watch For Between Exams
Between visits, people with diabetes should pay close attention to any new or changing visual symptoms. Contact your optometrist right away if you notice:
- Colors that appear dull, faded, or washed out
- Sudden blurry or fluctuating vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty judging distances or depth perception
- Dark spots or blank areas in your vision
While these changes may seem minor, they could indicate early retinal or optic nerve complications that require prompt treatment.
Protecting Your Vision and Eye Health
Managing blood sugar, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and scheduling consistent eye exams are key to protecting your sight. Our team works closely with each patient to detect and treat problems early — before they interfere with daily life.
At Child and Family Vision Center, we’re dedicated to helping patients of all ages enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision — whether that means treating early diabetic changes or improving visual function through therapy.
If you have diabetes or haven’t had an eye exam in the past year, now’s the time to schedule one. Book your next eye care appointment and take the first step toward lasting eye health.