11 Mar Why Diabetic Eye Exams Are Essential: Protecting Your Vision
If you have diabetes, you probably know how important it is to manage your blood sugar levels. But did you know that diabetes can also affect your eyesight? Your eyes are delicate, and high blood sugar can cause serious vision problems over time. That’s why regular diabetic eye exams are essential for protecting your sight.
At Total EyeCare, we are committed to helping you maintain clear, healthy vision. Here’s what you need to know about how diabetes affects your eyes and why scheduling regular eye exams is so important.
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Eyes?
Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in your eyes, leading to several vision problems, including:
- Diabetic Retinopathy – This occurs when high blood sugar weakens the blood vessels in the retina. Over time, they can swell, leak, or even close off, leading to vision loss.
- Diabetic Macular Edema – This happens when fluid builds up in the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision. Swelling in this area can make it difficult to read, drive, or see fine details.
- Increased Risk of Cataracts – People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age. Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, making vision blurry.
- Higher Chance of Glaucoma – Diabetes increases the risk of glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.
Why Are Diabetic Eye Exams Important?
The scary part about diabetic eye diseases is that they often don’t cause noticeable symptoms at first. Many people don’t realize they have a problem until their vision starts to decline. That’s why early detection is critical.
A diabetic eye exam allows your eye doctor to check for signs of damage before you experience vision loss. If caught early, many diabetic eye conditions can be managed or treated to slow their progression.
What to Expect During a Diabetic Eye Exam
A diabetic eye exam is similar to a regular eye exam but includes extra steps to check for signs of diabetes-related damage. During your visit, we may:
- Dilate your eyes to get a better view of your retina and check for any blood vessel changes.
- Perform retinal imaging to capture detailed pictures of your eye’s inner structures.
- Check for swelling or leaking blood vessels that could indicate diabetic retinopathy.
- Measure eye pressure to screen for glaucoma.
Protect Your Vision—Schedule an Exam Today!
If you have diabetes, don’t wait until you notice changes in your eyesight. Regular diabetic eye exams are the best way to protect your vision and catch potential problems early.
At Total EyeCare, we specialize in comprehensive eye exams for people with diabetes. Our team is here to help you maintain healthy vision for years to come.