Diabetes and Hypertension Can Trigger Blindness, Often Overlooked

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - People with diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension) are urged not to underestimate their eye health. Damage to the organ of sight from these chronic diseases often occurs silently, without pain or blurred vision in the early stages.

Diabetes can damage the fine blood vessels in the retina (diabetic retinopathy). Meanwhile, uncontrolled high blood pressure over the long term can disrupt circulation and the supporting structures of visual function.

Ironically, this damage can progress while the patient still feels capable of reading, driving, and carrying out normal daily activities.

“Many patients routinely monitor their blood sugar levels, blood pressure, as well as heart and kidney function, but may not realise that the eyes can also be affected,” said Dr. Low Jin Rong, a consultant ophthalmologist at Cornerstone Eye Centre, during an interview in South Jakarta on Friday (24/7/2026).

Dr. Low further explained that although diabetes and hypertension are very often associated with fatal risks such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure, their adverse impact on the eyes is rarely discussed with the same level of urgency.

One of the biggest threats triggered by these conditions is Glaucoma, a disease often nicknamed the “thief of sight”. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve gradually and typically attacks peripheral (side) vision first. Because central vision remains clear, patients often do not realise that part of their field of vision has been permanently lost.

Several factors that can increase the risk of developing glaucoma and other serious eye problems include high intraocular pressure, a family history of glaucoma, high myopia (nearsightedness) and increasing age, a history of eye injury, long-term use of corticosteroids, and systemic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

It is important to note that vision loss due to glaucoma is irreversible. However, early diagnosis and routine check-ups with an eye specialist can slow the severity of the disease through appropriate management, such as medication, laser therapy, or surgery.