Understanding diabetic eye exams
While yearly eye exams are crucial for everyone, they’re even more important for patients with diabetes. Dr. Patel and our team stay abreast of any changes in your eyes due to diabetes or other causes. During a diabetic eye exam, we:
- Dilate your eyes with drops.
- Look outside and within your eyes.
- Search for abnormalities.
- Check the retina for damaged blood vessels.
The sooner we diagnose any eye issues, the earlier we address them to reduce further vision loss.
Tips to prevent diabetic eye disease
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you can reduce your chances of diabetic eye disease in a variety of ways.
1. Maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure.
2. Don’t smoke.
Avoid second-hand smoke, as well. Smokers remain more at risk for diabetic retinopathy, as well as:
- Optic nerve issues, which may lead to blindness
- Macular degeneration, damaging your retina and reducing vision
- Cataracts
- Dry eyes
3. Keep blood sugar in check.
This is especially important for diabetics. High blood sugar can actually alter the shape of your lens temporarily, causing blurred vision, and damage blood vessels.
4. Exercise regularly.
Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising keeps both body and vision fit. Exercise helps patients better manage such conditions as diabetic retinopathy, potentially slowing its progression. Walk, run, swim, and dance… simply keep moving to maintain your well-being and eyesight.
5. Schedule a diabetic eye exam at least once a year.
If you notice any significant vision changes, contact our office as soon as possible.
Signs of diabetic eye disease
Diabetic eye disease often goes unnoticed. You may not see any symptoms during its early stages. Be on the lookout for:
- Blurred vision
- Trouble reading
- Difficulty seeing distant objects
Dr. Patel and our doctors can determine if diabetic eye disease is the cause of your issues. As the disease progresses, you might also notice floaters, dark spots, or thin streaks moving across your field of vision. This occurs when damaged blood vessels begin to bleed. The longer you’ve had diabetes, the greater your chances of developing diabetic eye disease. Maintaining regular eye exams and keeping your diabetes and blood sugar in check protect your vision.
Our compassionate team at Classic Vision Care look forward to keeping your eyes in tip-top shape. If you notice any changes in your vision or want to schedule a diabetic or routine eye exam, simply call us or book an appointment online today.
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