Diabetic Eye Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

02/11/2026 Helal Medical

Last Updated on 02/11/2026 by Helal Medical

Diabetes is one of the top health challenges in the Philippines today causing serious complications on the eyes. According to the Department of Health (DOH), over 4 million Filipinos are living with diabetes, and many more are Undiagnosed.

Among these, a growing number develop diabetic eye diseases especially diabetic retinopathy leading to irreversible blindness if not detected early. The good news? Most cases can be prevented or controlled through early screening, healthy lifestyle changes, and proper diabetes management.

In this article, we will explore What are diabetic eye diseases, causes, symptoms and prevention. We will also cover its prevalence, impact in the Philippines and discuss the national and preventive measures.

What Are Diabetic Eye Diseases?

These are vision disorders caused by long-term high blood sugar levels. These condition damage the tiny blood vessels of the retina. The most common ones include:

Diabetic Retinopathy which is leaking of retinal blood vessels, leading to blurred or lost vision.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) – Swelling in the central retina (macula), affecting reading and fine vision.
Cataracts – Clouding of the eye lens that appears earlier and progresses faster in diabetics.
Glaucoma – Increased eye pressure that damages the optic nerve.

💡 In the Philippines, diabetic retinopathy is now a major cause of blindness among adults. It affects people aged 30–70 years (Philippine Eye Research Institute, 2023).

Prevalence and Impact in the Philippines

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) estimate that around one in every four Filipinos with diabetes develops an eye complication. DOH considers it a significant concern. That means a big number of those with diabetes face eye health issues.

Urban lifestyle, high-sugar diets, and limited access to eye care contribute to the rise of diabetic retinopathy. This is a particular concern in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
The economic impact is significant—vision loss affects work, independence, and family life.
Most patients only seek medical attention after severe symptoms, making treatment harder.

This is why early detection programs have become a priority for Philippine health institutions.

Causes and Risk Factors

Long-term high blood sugar damages retinal capillaries, making them leak or swell. Filipino patients are particularly vulnerable due to:

Poor blood sugar control and irregular medication use.
Uncontrolled hypertension and cholesterol.
High-carbohydrate diets and frequent consumption of sugary drinks.
Smoking and sedentary lifestyle.
Limited access to eye specialists, especially in rural provinces.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Diabetic eye disease often starts without warning. Common symptoms include:

Blurred or fluctuating vision
Difficulty reading or seeing details
Dark spots or floaters
Colors appearing faded
Sudden vision loss

If you experience any of these, consult an ophthalmologist—especially if you’ve had diabetes for more than five years.

Diagnosis and Screening Programs in the Philippines

Early screening is vital. The DOH, together with the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) and Philippine Diabetes Association (PDA), recommends that:

All diabetics should undergo a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.
Screening is available at government hospitals. These include Philippine General Hospital (PGH), East Avenue Medical Center, and regional eye centers.

👉 At Helal Medical in Manila, diabetic patients are encouraged to schedule annual eye check-ups with retinal evaluation. This is especially important if they have high blood sugar or hypertension.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type and stage of eye disease:

Blood sugar control which is the most important step. Intend to keep HbA1c below 7%.
Laser photocoagulation: To stop leaking blood vessels and prevent vision loss.
Anti-VEGF injections: Help reduce swelling and improve vision in macular edema.
Vitrectomy: A surgical procedure for advanced bleeding inside the eye.

Treatment is available at tertiary hospitals and accredited clinics in Metro Manila and major cities nationwide.

National and Preventive Measures

The Philippine Diabetes Control Program (PDCP) under the DOH promotes:

Early detection campaigns in barangay health centers.
Free blood sugar testing during local health fairs.
Public education on diet and exercise for diabetes prevention.
Integration of eye check-ups in diabetes management protocols.

Local health units (LGUs) and private clinics are crucial. Facilities like Helal Medical has easy screening for diabetics.

How to Prevent Diabetic Eye Disease

Check blood sugar regularly.
Keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check.
Eat Filipino food smartly: Choose more vegetables, fish, and fresh fruits (avoid too much white rice, soft drinks, and sweets).
Exercise 30 minutes daily: Walking, cycling, or dancing helps.
Quit smoking—it doubles your risk of eye disease.
Visit your eye doctor yearly even if you have no symptoms.
Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from UV rays.

🩺 Remember: Vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can be prevented if detected early.

Useful Links

Summary

Diabetic eye diseases are a growing cause of vision loss in the Philippines—but they are preventable. Regular eye exams, tight sugar control, and lifestyle changes can save your sight.

At Helal Medical Manila, we encourage all diabetic patients to include annual retinal screening as part of their regular care. Early detection means brighter, clearer vision—and a better quality of life. 📍 Visit us today or message Helal Medical page on Facebook to schedule your diabetic screening.

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