You can’t always. The longer a person has diabetes, the higher the likelihood they will develop diabetic retinopathy. About 80% of people who have had diabetes at least 15 years have some damage to the blood vessels in their retinas.

HOWEVER, taking good care of yourself significantly reduces your risk of diabetic eye disease, as well as many of the other complications associated with diabetes.

• Keep your blood sugar under good control
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Exercise regularly

Remember, yearly dilated eye exams by an Eye M.D. are the best way to preserve your vision. Early detection of diabetic eye disease is essential in preventing vision loss.