If you have diabetes or a family history of the condition, scheduling regular eye exams can mean the difference between clear vision and vision loss.
While it’s sobering to know that diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults, there’s also good news: up to 90% of vision loss related to diabetes can be prevented.
If you have diabetes, you want to make sure that you’re visiting your LOCATION1 ophthalmologist at for annual comprehensive eye exams. Failure to do so can potentially lead to serious vision-robbing eye diseases.
How Can Diabetes Affect the Eyes?
Diabetes is a condition caused by the body’s inability to process or produce enough insulin – the vital hormone that breaks down sugars. Higher-than-normal blood sugar levels increase the risk of developing the following eye conditions:
- Diabetic retinopathy – leakage and abnormal growth of new and fragile blood vessels under the retina
- Diabetic macular edema – deterioration of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for fine, detailed vision
- Glaucoma – optic nerve damage caused by excessive pressure within the eye
- Cataracts – cloudy formations in the eye’s natural lens
These eye conditions can potentially threaten your eyesight. Fortunately, early detection and treatment can slow their progression and help safeguard your vision.
How to Prevent Diabetes-Related Eye Problems
While everyone with diabetes experiences some sugar spikes, the more your diabetes is controlled, the better it is for your eye health. The best way to prevent diabetes-related vision problems, in consultation with your medical team, is to:
- Maintain an optimal blood sugar level and body mass index (BMI)
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Consume a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly
- Quit smoking
- Schedule a diabetic eye exam at least yearly, or as recommended by your eye doctor.
What To Expect During a Diabetic Eye Exam
These tests can detect the early signs of diabetic eye diseases:
- Dilated pupil exam – after dilating the pupils, your eye doctor will examine the inside of your eyes with a slit lamp to detect signs of eye disease
- Digital retinal exam –your [eye doctor] will take color digital 3D images of the outer layer of your retina, blood vessels and optic nerve
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – this technology produces 3D cross-sectional full-color images of the internal layers of the retina, blood vessels and optic nerve
- Fluorescein angiography – an injection of dye into a vein in your arm will illuminate the vessels of your retina and highlight any leakage.
If you have diabetes, schedule regular eye exams that will detect potentially sight-robbing conditions. At we understand how challenging diabetes can be, and offer a range of diagnostic tests and treatments that can protect your eye health and your vision.
How is Diabetic Eye Disease Treated?
Treating diabetes-related eye disease can include:
- Anti-VEGF injectable medicines to prevent abnormal blood vessel growth within the eye.
- Laser photocoagulation to treat diabetic macular edema.
- Vitrectomy to remove the vitreous, or clear gel, that fills the eye. Doing so treats problems associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Your eye doctor will determine which treatment best suits your needs after a thorough ocular health assessment.
Diabetic Eye Care in LOCATION1
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes or have been living with the condition for several years, can help. Using state-of-the-art technology and the most up-to-date treatments, our team of eye health experts will ensure the best possible outcome for you.
To schedule your consultation, call in LOCATION1 today.
Q&A
How long does it take to develop diabetic eye disease?
It typically takes between 5-10 years to develop diabetic eye disease. That said, uncontrolled blood sugar can cause diabetes-related eye damage long before any symptoms appear. That’s why if you have diabetes, getting regular comprehensive eye exams are essential. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the treatment outcome, and the better you can protect yourself from vision loss.
Are cataracts more common among people with diabetes?
Yes, diabetes increases the risk of developing cataracts. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 32% of people with diabetes aged 45 and above have had at least one cataract. That number rises to 50% in people with diabetes over 65.
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