Diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts how your body regulates blood sugar. While many people know diabetes can affect overall health, its effects on your eyes are often less understood. At GTOC, we emphasize the importance of eye care for individuals living with diabetes to prevent serious vision problems.
Understanding Diabetic Eye Conditions
High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the eyes over time, leading to several diabetes-related eye conditions:
Diabetic Retinopathy: This is the most common diabetic eye disease. It occurs when high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Early stages may not cause noticeable symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to vision loss.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): DME occurs when fluid leaks into the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. This can cause blurry or distorted vision.
Cataracts: People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age. Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurry vision and glare sensitivity.
Glaucoma: Diabetes increases the risk of glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can cause irreversible vision loss if not treated promptly.
Symptoms to Watch For
Some early signs of diabetes-related eye problems include:
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Blurred or double vision
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Dark or empty areas in your vision
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Difficulty seeing at night
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Seeing floaters or flashes of light
Because symptoms may not appear until the condition is advanced, regular eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment.
Signs of Progression
Even if initial symptoms are mild, diabetic eye disease can progress without notice. Warning signs that the condition may be worsening include:
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Sudden increase in floaters or dark spots
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Worsening blurriness or distorted vision
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Reduced ability to see colors clearly
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Shadows or curtains in your field of vision
Recognizing these signs early and seeking prompt medical attention can help prevent severe vision loss.
Diabetes and Eye Exam Schedule
Regular eye exams are critical for people with diabetes. Adults who are newly diagnosed should have a comprehensive eye exam within one year of diagnosis. For those with ongoing diabetes, annual dilated eye exams are recommended, although exams may need to be more frequent if retinopathy or other eye issues are detected. Women with diabetes who are planning pregnancy or become pregnant should also have an eye exam, as pregnancy can accelerate the progression of diabetic eye disease. Following this schedule helps catch problems early, when treatment is most effective.
Preventing Vision Problems
While diabetes can increase the risk of eye disease, careful management can help protect your vision. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, along with monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol, plays a key role in reducing the risk of damage to the eyes. Additionally, leading a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking can further lower the risk of eye complications and support long-term vision health.
Treatment Options
If a diabetic eye condition is detected early, treatments can help prevent vision loss. Options may include laser therapy to seal leaking blood vessels or reduce retinal swelling, injectable medications to reduce fluid in the retina, or surgical interventions in severe cases to repair or remove damaged tissue.
Partner With GTOC for Healthy Vision
At GTOC, our team is committed to helping patients with diabetes maintain clear, healthy vision. Through comprehensive exams, early detection, and personalized treatment plans, we work with you to protect your eyes and prevent complications.