Diabetes doesn’t just affect blood sugar, it can have a profound impact on eye health, increasing the risk for serious vision problems like cataracts and glaucoma. Regular diabetic eye exams are a vital tool for early detection, allowing eye care professionals to identify and address issues before they threaten your sight.
 

How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes

High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a range of complications known as diabetic eye disease. Two of the most common and potentially serious conditions associated with diabetes are cataracts and glaucoma:

• Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision and sensitivity to light. People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age.
• Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye. Diabetes doubles the risk of developing glaucoma, which can progress silently until vision loss occurs.

In addition to cataracts and glaucoma, diabetes is associated with other serious eye conditions:

• Diabetic Retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease. It occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels of the retina, leading to bleeding, swelling, and the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Left untreated, it can cause permanent vision loss.
• Diabetic Macular Edema develops when fluid builds up in the macula due to leaking blood vessels. This can lead to blurry or wavy vision.

The Importance of Diabetic Eye Exams

Diabetic eye exams are more comprehensive than standard vision checks. During these exams, your eye doctor will carefully dilate your pupils to thoroughly examine the retina and optic nerve for any signs of damage. They will also check for early symptoms of conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathys.
 

In addition to these checks, your doctor will measure the pressure inside your eyes to screen specifically for glaucoma and assess any changes in your vision that may be related to diabetes. This comprehensive approach ensures that even subtle changes are detected early.
 

Early detection is essential because many eye diseases linked to diabetes develop gradually and without obvious symptoms. Unfortunately, by the time noticeable vision changes occur, irreversible damage may have already happened. Regular diabetic eye exams provide the best chance to catch problems early and protect your long-term vision.
 

How Early Detection Helps

Identifying cataracts or glaucoma in their earliest stages allows for more effective management and treatment. For cataracts, early monitoring may help delay the need for surgery, while timely intervention for glaucoma can help preserve your vision and prevent further loss. Regular exams also enable your eye doctor to track changes over time and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
 

Protecting Your Vision at Eyecare Galleria

At Eyecare Galleria, our team uses advanced technology to detect even the smallest changes in your eye health. We recommend that individuals with diabetes schedule comprehensive eye exams at least once a year, or more frequently if advised by your doctor. By prioritizing regular screenings, you can take a proactive role in protecting your eyesight and overall health.
 

If you have diabetes, schedule your diabetic eye exam at Eyecare Galleria to stay ahead of cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye disease. Visit our office in Brentwood, California, or call (925) 240-8520 to book an appointment today.