Diabetes can cause several eye problems by damaging the retina such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Around 25% of diabetics have some form of diabetic retinopathy, which increases to 60% for those with type 2 diabetes after 20 years, so annual eye exams are important for early detection and treatment. Laser treatment can be used to treat more severe cases of retinopathy and prevent vision loss, but screening and management of blood sugar levels are crucial to reduce the risk of eye damage from diabetes.