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- Health
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- AwarenessDiseases
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- United States
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- Every November
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Diabetic Eye Disease Month focuses attention on keeping our eyes healthy throughout November. Vision care organizations and physicians share vital resources on how diabetes can impact sight. Learn how to properly maintain your eyesight, schedule your annual eye exam, and support awareness efforts.
Want to sponsor Diabetic Eye Disease Month? Learn how
Expected Diabetic Eye Disease Month Deals
Throughout November, Diabetic Eye Disease Month shifts focus from commercial deals to crucial awareness and fundraising efforts. Organizations like the National Eye Institute and American Diabetes Association partner with corporations for donation drives and educational campaigns. Look for vision care providers such as LensCrafters and Warby Parker to offer free screenings or discount programs for at-risk individuals. Pharmaceutical companies like Bausch + Lomb and Johnson & Johnson Vision also support research and patient education initiatives. Many local optometrists and ophthalmologists provide special consultations or educational materials. We encourage supporting these organizations directly through donations or by participating in their awareness events.
Platform Guide for Diabetic Eye Disease Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #DiabeticEyeDiseaseMonth. Share personal stories or infographics about eye health and diabetes prevention.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #DiabeticEyeDiseaseMonth. Join community groups to share resources and support for those affected.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #DiabeticEyeDiseaseMonth. Share facts, research updates, and calls to action for regular eye exams.
Diabetic Eye Disease Month Hero
Dr. Elliott P. Joslin
Diabetic Eye Disease Month timeline
This was a groundbreaking report revealing that high-risk premature infants gained better vision potential with early treatment.
An Early Manifest Glaucoma Trial showed that treating early-stage glaucoma patients can slow the disease.
The NEI was named the primary agency for a new vision education project as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services People 2010 initiative.
It confirmed the 95% success rate for the current treatment plans used in maintaining vision.
The National Eye Institute became the first government agency exclusively committed to research on human visual diseases and disorders, a cause championed by LBJ.
Diabetic Eye Disease Month FAQs
When is Diabetic Eye Disease Month?
Diabetic Eye Disease Month runs throughout November 2026, marking a crucial period for vision health awareness and preventative action against diabetes-related eye conditions.
How many Americans are affected by diabetic eye disease?
According to the National Eye Institute, over 7 million Americans are impacted by diabetic retinopathy, a condition where high blood sugar damages the retina’s blood vessels. This makes awareness in 2026 particularly vital.
What is the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes and a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. In 2026, health organizations continue to stress the high prevalence and preventable nature of this condition.
What is the difference between diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema?
Diabetic retinopathy is a general term for all eye problems caused by diabetes, where high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a specific complication of retinopathy where fluid leaks into the macula, causing swelling and blurred vision. Both are serious conditions requiring attention in 2026.
How to Observe Diabetic Eye Disease Month
Get tested for diabetes
If you suspect you may have diabetes or you have unsettling eye disease symptoms, use Diabetes Eye Disease Month as a way to conquer your anxiety and get proactive about your health. Various tests, including fasting or drinking a sugary, high glucose solution and then taking a blood test, will give you an accurate reading of the results. There are also certain factors during an eye exam that may indicate diabetes if you have not been formerly diagnosed. Whichever way you go, use this month to take action.
Post an eye exam reminder on social media
Cute pictures of kitty cats and puppy dogs may relieve our boredom on social media but use your platforms to save eyesight in November. Remind your friends, and friends of friends, that November is Diabetic Eye Disease Month. Throw up some stats and maybe some links to organizations that are working on this issue. In December, you can go back and re-post your photos of doggies and kitties.
Offer to take someone to their eye exam
Being a friend includes being there for someone, even accompanying them to an eye exam. It seems like a little thing but if your eyes seem to be playing tricks on you, bring along a friend for support. After all, if your eyes are dilated after the exam, you may need a ride home.
4 Reasons Why Diabetic Eye Disease Needs Our Attention
It happens gradually
Diabetic retinopathy often goes unnoticed until symptoms are so severe that you are at risk of completely losing your vision.
It's the result of diabetes
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness with 40-45 percent affected by diabetic retinopathy.
It disproportionately affects people of color
Because people of different ethnic groups are prone to developing type 2 diabetes, African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Asian-Americans are collectively at higher risk for diabetic eye diseases.
You can fight it with a healthy lifestyle
Prevention is key because taking positive steps like watching what you eat, regular exercise, and correctly taking your diabetes medicine can prevent or even delay any vision loss.
Why Diabetic Eye Disease Month is Important
Diabetic eye disease is scary
Think about all the ways you use your eyes, and now think about how you would feel if you were to gradually lose your eyesight. Diabetic eye disease, also known as diabetic retinopathy, is a group of eye conditions affecting people with diabetes. These conditions include cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens), glaucoma (elevated pressure inside the eye), and macular swelling (optic nerve damage). The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases suggests seeing your doctor if you have blurry or frequently changing vision, experience dark areas or vision loss, or if you see "floaters" or flashes of light.
All types of diabetes can trigger eye disease
It's just a fact that if you suffer with diabetes, you have a greater chance of having an eye disease than someone who doesn't. Every type of diabetes makes you vulnerable, which is why early detection with regular eye exams is key. People with types 1 and 2 diabetes need annual exams. Pregnant women with both types 1 and 2 need exams prior to pregnancy or at least during the first trimester. Only expectant mothers with gestational diabetes aren't required to have eye exams because they can't develop diabetic eye disease during pregnancy
Prevention means dilating your eyes
If you have diabetes, you need a more in-depth exam where the eye doctor dilates your eyes. This means you will receive drops in your eyes to make the pupils larger. This allows the doctor to fully see the back of each eye including the retina, blood vessels, and optic nerve. After your eyes are dilated, don't panic if your vision is slightly blurry for a couple of hours — but make sure to arrange for transportation.
Diabetic Eye Disease Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | November 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | November 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | November 1 | Thursday |
| 2030 | November 1 | Friday |
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