Why Diabetics Need Regular Eye Exams

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar, also known as glucose, a primary source of energy for the body’s cells. There are different types of diabetes, each with its own causes and characteristics, but they all involve problems with the hormone insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are high, the lens inside the eye can swell, causing temporary blurry vision; however, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to long-term damage to vision in the form of certain eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, as well as an increased risk for early development of cataracts and glaucoma. High blood sugar also weakens the body’s ability to fight infections, making diabetics more susceptible to eye infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye) and blepharitis (eyelid inflammation). Without proper management, diabetes can lead to irreversible damage to the eyes such as retinal detachment or permanent vision loss. 

Managing blood sugar levels through a healthy diet, regular exercise and medication is essential to protect vision. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious diabetic eye complications and preserve long-term vision, a key reason why diabetics need regular eye exams. An eye exam can reveal signs of diabetes before a person is even aware they have it because the eye is one of the few places in the body where doctors can directly observe blood vessels. Diabetes affects the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. During a comprehensive, dilated eye exam, a doctor can detect changes or damage to those blood vessels before symptoms are noticeable. Regular eye exams can uncover the effects of diabetes, particularly in the retina, with specific signs that include: microaneurysm (tiny bulges in the blood vessels of the retina which may leak fluid), hemorrhages (small spots of blood in the retina due to leaking or bursting vessels), cotton wool spots (areas of the retina that have lost blood supply) and neovascularization (the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels).  
At Associated Retina Consultants, we encourage all patients to have their eyes examined annually. If you are a diabetic, it is of greater importance to maintain these regular checkups. Book your next exam by calling 602-242-4928 today. You can anticipate a series of quick, painless tests that include visual acuity, dilated eye exam, intraocular pressure test and retinal imaging. The best way to improve overall eye health and to achieve your best possible vision begins with early diagnosis and monitoring for any changes. To learn more, visit WEBSITE.