One of the most common questions from people with diabetes is, "My vision is fine. Do I really need an eye exam?" Yes - because diabetes can begin affecting the small blood vessels inside your eyes before you notice a change in vision. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels that nourish it, causing diabetic retinopathy. Damaged vessels may leak fluid or blood, and more advanced disease can cause abnormal new