Diabetes is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness among working-age adults. People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age and are twice as likely to develop glaucoma, but diabetes’ effect on the retina is the main threat to vision. Diabetes can affect the blood vessels in the retina and can lead to vision loss and even blindness. Diabetics are covered for annual eye examinations (with valid SaskHealth).