Diabetic Eye Exams for Vision Health
Living with diabetes increases the risk of vision complications. At Family Focus Eyecare, our specialized diabetic eye exams help detect and manage potential eye issues early, safeguarding your vision for the future.
How Does Diabetes Impact Eye Health?
Diabetes can affect various parts of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. High blood sugar can lead to conditions like diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and glaucoma, all of which pose serious risks to your vision. Managing your blood sugar levels and scheduling regular eye exams are crucial to protecting your eye health.
What to Expect During a Diabetic Eye Exam
Our diabetic eye exams include several specialized tests to monitor your eye health. These may include retinal imaging, dilated eye exams, and intraocular pressure measurements to detect signs of diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma. Our use of advanced diagnostic technology ensures that we catch any early signs of eye disease before they progress, giving you the best chance to preserve your vision.
How to Tell if Diabetes is Affecting Your Eyes?
Diabetic eye disease often progresses silently, but certain symptoms may signal a problem:
- Blurred vision or sudden vision loss
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Floaters or dark spots in your vision
- Frequent headaches or eye strain If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an eye exam as soon as possible.
Diabetic retinopathy can develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, so regular check-ups are key to preventing vision loss.
How Does Diabetic Retinopathy Lead to Vision Loss?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina. Over time, this damage can cause the vessels to leak or bleed, leading to vision impairment. If untreated, diabetic retinopathy can progress to macular edema or retinal detachment, both of which can cause permanent vision loss.
How Often Should You Have a Diabetic Eye Exam?
For patients with diabetes, we recommend having a comprehensive eye exam every year. Those with existing diabetic retinopathy or other related conditions may need more frequent exams to monitor changes. Regular check-ups allow us to catch issues early and adjust your treatment plan as needed.