Diabetes is by far the most common systemic disease our optometric team diagnoses during our comprehensive eye exams. Using advanced scans and testing, eye doctors can check for changes in the blood vessels in and around your retina for signs of changes or damage that may indicate diabetes. If we find any worrying signs, we can refer you to a general practitioner who can do more thorough testing. One of the main risks of diabetes is a condition called diabetic retinopathy, which is associated with consistently elevated blood sugar levels, and can result in damage to the blood vessels and leakage of fluid onto the retina and macula. This can lead to significant vision loss, including blindness: Timely detection and treatment, combined with a healthy lifestyle and diet, can help minimize the impact of both diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.