Diabetes Can Lead to Eye Problems

Diabetes is linked to eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic macular edema. If you are one of the millions of Americans with diabetes, you’ll need annual eye exams.

Many eye diseases are unlikely to show symptoms until they’ve significantly impacted your vision. An eye doctor familiar with diabetes and its risks can diagnose these problems early and take steps to help preserve your vision.

Let our experienced eye doctors give you the care you need, and book a diabetic eye exam today.

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Eye Health Risks for Those with Diabetes

Diabetic Retinopathy & Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by high blood sugar, which can make the blood vessels attached to your retina swell and break.

When this happens, blood and other fluids can leak into the eyes. As diabetic retinopathy advances, abnormal blood vessels can start to grow, forming scar tissue and putting you at risk for retinal detachment.

Without proper treatment, diabetic retinopathy can lead to diabetic macular edema. This condition causes swelling in the macula, which is vital for central vision tasks. A swollen macula can affect your ability to see things in your central vision and prevent you from doing things like reading or driving.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes optic nerve damage. The most common type of glaucoma comes on gradually and usually doesn’t show symptoms until it advances. If you have diabetes, your risk for this type of glaucoma doubles.

All types of glaucoma can cause blindness without appropriate medical help. Regular visits to your eye doctor can help you manage your condition more effectively.

Cataracts

Cataracts develop when the proteins in your natural lens change and clump together, creating cloudy, opaque areas. These changes can eventually obscure your vision completely.

If you have diabetes, you may develop cataracts earlier in life than expected. Your eye doctor can often refer you to an ophthalmologist who can restore your vision with cataract surgery.

When Should People with Diabetes Have Eye Exams?

If you have diabetes, you should have a comprehensive eye exam every year. These frequent visits give your optometrist more opportunities to recognize the signs of diabetic eye diseases and offer customized treatment plans.

Diabetes comes with risks, but you don’t have to face them alone. Let us help by contacting our practice to book your next appointment.

Book at Eastlake

Book at Terra Nova