The Link Between Diabetes and Eye Health: What You Need to Know

Living with diabetes means managing your health in many ways, but one crucial area often overlooked is your eye health. Diabetes can affect nearly every part of your body, including your eyes, putting you at a higher risk for serious vision problems if left unchecked. Understanding this connection and scheduling regular diabetic eye exams can help protect your sight and maintain your quality of life.
 

How Diabetes Impacts Eye Health

Diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2, can cause changes in the blood vessels throughout your body - including those in your eyes. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the part of your eye that detects light and sends signals to your brain. This damage can lead to several eye conditions, including:

• Diabetic Retinopathy: The most common diabetic eye disease, retinopathy develops when blood vessels in the retina become damaged and leak fluid or blood. In its early stages, you might not notice symptoms, but as the condition progresses, it can cause vision loss and even blindness.

• Diabetic Macular Edema:This occurs when fluid builds up in the macula (the part of your retina responsible for sharp, central vision) causing swelling and blurry vision.

• Cataracts: People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age. Cataracts cause the lens of your eye to become cloudy, leading to vision problems that can’t be corrected with glasses alone.

• Glaucoma: Diabetes also increases the risk of glaucoma, a condition caused by increased pressure in the eye that damages the optic nerve. If left untreated, glaucoma can result in permanent vision loss.
 

Why Regular Diabetic Eye Exams Are Crucial

Because many diabetic eye diseases progress with little or no symptoms in the early stages, regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment. During a diabetic eye exam, your eye doctor will:

• Dilate your pupils to thoroughly examine the back of your eyes

• Check for signs of retinopathy, macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma

• Monitor changes in your vision over time

Early detection means treatment can begin before vision loss occurs. Treatments may include medication, laser therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity and type of eye disease.
 

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

Most experts recommend that people with diabetes have a comprehensive, dilated eye exam at least once a year. However, your eye doctor may suggest more frequent exams if you have existing eye problems or if your diabetes is not well controlled.
 

Additional Tips for Protecting Your Vision

• Manage your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol: Good control reduces the risk of eye complications.

• Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking.

• Monitor your vision: Report any changes in your sight to your eye doctor right away.
 

Protect Your Vision at Eye Co.

Diabetes significantly increases your risk of vision-threatening eye diseases, but regular diabetic eye exams can make all the difference in catching problems early. Protecting your eyesight starts with understanding the risks and taking proactive steps toward eye health.

If you have diabetes, schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Eye Co. and take an important step in preserving your vision for years to come. Visit our office in Columbus, Ohio, or call (234) O-H-Eye-Co to book an appointment today.