# Diabetes-related eye health awareness > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/diabetes-related-eye-health-awareness > Updated: 2026-10-24T23:00:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Health organizations and medical experts are highlighting the risks of ocular complications stemming from diabetes, specifically diabetic retinopathy. The Union of Associations of Persons with Diabetes of Macedonia (SZDSM) has called for eye health to be prioritized on public health agendas, noting that over 80 percent of blindness and vision impairment cases can be prevented or treated through timely diagnosis. Regional data from several Central and Eastern European countries indicates a significant care gap, with only about 25 percent of patients diagnosed and fewer than 15 percent receiving treatment for these conditions. Medical information from the National Hospital of Endocrinology explains that prolonged high blood sugar damages retinal blood vessels, which can lead to fluid leakage, abnormal vessel growth, and permanent blindness. Because the condition often progresses without early symptoms, experts recommend regular eye examinations and strict management of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol to mitigate risks. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: Diabetes eye complications can lead to blindness Diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness by damaging retinal blood vessels. Early detection through regular eye exams is critical, as the condition often progresses without initial symptoms. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/diabetes-eye-complications-can-lead-to-blindness ### 2026-10-07: Diabetes Association urges priority for eye health awareness The Union of Associations of Persons with Diabetes of Macedonia urges higher priority for eye health, noting that only 25% of patients in parts of Eastern Europe are diagnosed with vision-threatening diabetic-ر 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/diabetes-association-urges-priority-for-eye-health-awareness --- Cite as: Diabetes-related eye health awareness. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/diabetes-related-eye-health-awareness