Why Diabetics Need Regular Eye Exams: Preventing Vision Loss

People who suffer from diabetes are susceptible to eye diseases. The health condition affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. Fluctuating blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, causing eye complications.
 

People with diabetes often face vision issues, including blurry vision. They are also at a higher risk for developing conditions such as cataracts, macular edema, and retinopathy. Find out why diabetics need regular eye exams to prevent vision loss.
 

Diabetes and Vision Loss

If you have diabetes, you are at a significantly higher risk of losing your vision. Research indicates that the likelihood of experiencing permanent vision loss is 25 times greater for individuals with diabetes. They have a higher risk of developing glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye disorders.
 

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness among adults with diabetes. Eye specialists believe lowering blood glucose levels can help to reduce the risk of retinopathy by 25%. Most diabetes-related vision loss cases can be avoided with early detection and prompt treatment.
 

Regular Eye Exams

Eye care specialists help to detect and treat diabetes-related eye diseases. Early detection is vital for effective treatment. It can help to prevent or delay eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy.
 

Scheduling regular dilated eye exams helps to detect vision changes and issues that may not have obvious symptoms. Many eye diseases do not exhibit symptoms in the early stages. Eye doctors recommend annual eye exams for people living with diabetes.
 

Monitoring Vision Changes

Eye doctors advise patients with diabetes to monitor their vision regularly. They need to understand the early signs of eye problems. Detecting changes in eyesight can help to save the vision.
 

Common signs of eye issues include:

• Double vision.
• Floaters.
• Light flashes.
• Dry eyes.
• Difficulty focusing.
• Difficulty adjusting to light changes.

Eye disease symptoms may not be obvious in the early stages, so monitoring vision can help.
 

Diabetes Management and Healthy Vision

People with diabetes should understand the relationship between diabetes management and good vision. Managing diabetes involves several key lifestyle choices, including maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as living a smoke-free life. A nutritious diet and consistent exercise are also crucial in effectively managing diabetes.
 

People with diabetes should follow their doctors’ advice on improving their blood sugar and managing their condition. Patients should get regular eye checks to monitor their vision and prevent eye complications.
 

During Diabetic Eye Exams

Diabetic eye exams are relatively quick and painless. Doctors conduct several tests to check health. Dilating the pupils helps to provide a better view. A dilated eye exam includes the application of eye drops that enlarge the pupils. This dilation enables the doctor to view the internal structures of the eye with greater clarity.
 

In some cases, eye specialists may use retinal imaging. Doctors check the vision, eye pressure, eye muscles, and response to light. The results of the exam will determine the next steps. The doctor may recommend eye treatment or changes in diabetes management.
 

Several factors can increase the risk of developing diabetic-related eye diseases.
 

They include:

• Untreated high blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Smoking.
• Aging.
• Pregnancy.

Those who have had diabetes for long are more likely to develop eye problems. Treatment of eye conditions may include medications, laser treatment, or surgery.
 

For more on why diabetics need regular eye exams to prevent vision loss, visit Glenpool Eye Care. Our office is in Glenpool, Oklahoma. Call (918) 233-8400 to book an appointment today.
 

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/hcp/clinical-guidance/promote-eye-health.html#: