How Diabetes Can Affect Your Eyes and Vision Over Time

Diabetes is a condition that impacts more than just your blood sugar levels - it can also affect the health of your eyes. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the delicate blood vessels in your eyes, increasing your risk of serious vision problems if left untreated. Understanding these risks and scheduling regular diabetic eye exams is essential for protecting your vision.
 

How Diabetes Impacts Eye Health

When blood sugar levels remain elevated for extended periods, they can weaken and damage the small blood vessels in the retina. Over time, this damage can lead to several serious diabetic eye diseases that may threaten your vision.
 

One of the most common conditions is diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when retinal blood vessels become damaged. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often causes no noticeable symptoms, but as it progresses, it can lead to blurred vision, dark spots, and even permanent vision loss.
 

Another complication is diabetic macular edema (DME), a swelling in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. DME can make everyday tasks difficult.
 

People with diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing cataracts at a younger age and more frequently than those without the condition. Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which can result in blurred or hazy vision.
 

Lastly, diabetes can double the risk of glaucoma, a disease that damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma often develops without symptoms in the early stages, but if left untreated, it can cause irreversible vision loss.
 

The Importance of Regular Diabetic Eye Exams

Diabetic eye diseases can develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. That’s why routine diabetic eye exams are crucial for people with diabetes. These exams allow your optometrist to detect early signs of eye disease before they affect your vision.
 

Early detection means earlier treatment, which can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss. Your optometrist can also monitor changes in your eyes over time, helping you manage your overall eye health alongside your diabetes care plan.
 

Protecting Your Vision

In addition to regular eye exams, you can help protect your eyes by:
 

•          Keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control.

•          Following your doctor’s recommendations for diabetes management.

•          Wearing sunglasses to protect against UV rays.

•          Quitting smoking, which can increase the risk of diabetic complications.

Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam Today

While diabetes can significantly increase your risk of vision problems, many of these complications are preventable with early detection and timely treatment. By making regular diabetic eye exams part of your health routine, you can protect your sight and maintain your independence for years to come.
 

At iCare Optometry, Dr. Kawakami is committed to helping patients with diabetes safeguard their vision. Our diabetic eye exams are designed to detect changes early so you can take action before problems worsen. Visit our office in Idaho Falls, Idaho, or call (208) 522-2839 to book an appointment today.