Diabetes Eye Care
We offer specialized diabetes eye care services designed to protect your vision and manage the long-term impact of diabetes on your eye health. Diabetes is a leading cause of vision loss in adults, and regular eye exams are essential for early detection and prevention of serious eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, glaucoma, and cataracts.
Diabetes & Your eye health
How diabetes affects your vision
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems that may worsen over time if left untreated. High blood sugar levels can cause swelling, leaking, or blockage of these vessels, affecting how well the retina functions. Over time, this damage can result in blurry vision, dark spots, or difficulty seeing clearly.
With early detection and proper management, vision loss from diabetes can often be slowed or prevented.
Why Diabetes Eye Care Is Important:
Diabetic Retinopathy – Damage to retinal blood vessels that can progress silently and cause vision loss if not treated early.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) – Swelling in the macula that can result in blurred or distorted central vision.
Glaucoma – Diabetes significantly increases the risk of glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve and can lead to irreversible vision loss.
Cataracts – People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts earlier in life, causing cloudy or dim vision.
Early detection through routine diabetic eye exams can help protect your vision and prevent serious, long-term complications.
Treatment Options:
Treatment for diabetes-related eye conditions depends on the severity of the disease and the specific structures of the eye affected.
Treatments include:
Comprehensive Diabetic Eye Exams – Detailed eye examinations designed specifically for patients with diabetes, including dilated retinal exams to detect early signs of damage before symptoms appear.
Retinal Imaging & Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Advanced imaging technology used to capture high-resolution views of the retina and macula, allowing subtle changes in eye health to be monitored over time.
Diabetic Retinopathy Monitoring & Treatment – Ongoing monitoring for signs of diabetic retinopathy, with timely treatment recommendations or referrals when necessary to reduce the risk of severe vision loss.
Prevention is key
Routine eye exams!
Routine eye exams are one of the most important steps in preventing vision loss related to diabetes. Many diabetes-related eye conditions develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages, making regular exams essential for early detection. Comprehensive diabetic eye exams allow your eye doctor to identify subtle changes in the retina before permanent damage occurs. Early diagnosis often means more treatment options and better long-term outcomes.
Dry Eye - Frequently Asked Questions
How often should people with diabetes get an eye exam?
Most patients with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year, or more frequently if recommended by their eye doctor.
Can diabetes cause vision loss even if my vision seems fine?
Yes. Many diabetes-related eye conditions develop without early symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are essential for early detection.
What is a diabetic eye exam?
A diabetic eye exam includes a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, often with dilation and advanced imaging to closely examine the retina and detect early signs of damage.
If diabetic retinopathy is found, what happens next?
If signs of diabetic retinopathy are detected, your eye doctor will monitor the condition closely and recommend treatment or referral to a specialist if needed to protect your vision.
Does controlling blood sugar help protect my eyesight?
Yes. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, along with managing blood pressure and cholesterol, significantly reduces the risk of diabetes-related eye complications.
Can vision loss from diabetes be reversed?
While some vision changes can be treated, damage from diabetes is often permanent, which is why early detection and routine eye exams are critical.