How can diabetes affect vision?

Diabetes can significantly affect vision primarily through conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision impairment and potentially blindness if left untreated. This condition often progresses without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which makes regular eye examinations critical for individuals with diabetes.

Cataracts, another complication associated with diabetes, involve the clouding of the lens in the eye, leading to blurred vision and sensitivity to glare. Diabetic individuals are at a higher risk of developing cataracts at an earlier age compared to those without diabetes.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the impact of diabetes on vision. While color blindness is a genetic condition and not typically caused by diabetes, allergic reactions can certainly affect the eyes but are not a direct result of diabetes itself. Lastly, stating that diabetes has no effect on vision overlooks the numerous ways diabetes can lead to severe ocular complications.