Sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels affect the retinal vessels that enable vision, posing a serious risk exclusively to the eyesight of people with diabetes.

Ophthalmologist Dr. Adnan İpçioğlu stated that the incidence of diabetic retinopathy increases, especially in people who have had diabetes for more than ten years. “All diabetic patients are at risk of developing this eye disease,” he said. “It is highly recommended that every person with diabetes have an eye examination at least once a year. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.” Highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, Dr. İpçioğlu emphasized that patients should have an eye examination immediately after being diagnosed with diabetes and continue routine annual checkups as part of their diabetes management. “Detecting retinopathy findings at an early stage is the key to successful treatment,” he added. “In particular, fundus examination allows early detection of retinal changes and offers patients the chance for effective treatment. After the first five years of diagnosis, diabetic patients should have an eye exam every six months, while those with existing retinal findings should be examined every three months. The frequency of examinations is determined as needed by the ophthalmologist.”

Kasım 2025