Why Regular Eye Exams Are Crucial for Diabetic Patients

You may know that diabetes can damage several body parts, including your eyes. This disease can make you more likely to develop eye problems; worse, it can lead to blindness if you do not treat them. That is why regular eye exams are crucial for diabetic patients. They can help detect and prevent serious eye complications and protect your vision. 

Eye Problems That Diabetes Can Cause

Diabetes can harm your eyes' nerves and blood vessels. This can lead to different eye problems, such as:

Diabetic Retinopathy

This is the most common eye problem that diabetes can cause. It damages the retina. High blood sugar levels can make the retina's blood vessels bleed or grow incorrectly until they hurt the retina and change your vision. 

Glaucoma

This is a condition that increases the pressure inside the eye. The optic nerve connects your eye and brain. It sends the signals your eye sees to your brain, where they become images. High pressure in the eye can hurt the optic nerve and affect your vision. 

Cataracts

These are cloudy areas that form in the lens of the eye. The lens is a clear structure that helps focus light on the retina. Cataracts can make your vision cloudy, dull, or blurry. They can also make you more sensitive to glare or have trouble seeing at night.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam If You Have Diabetes?

If you have diabetes, you should get a yearly comprehensive dilated eye exam from an eye doctor. The type of diabetes you have and your pregnancy status affect when you should get your first eye exam. Eye doctors recommend the following guidelines:

• If you have type 1 diabetes, get your first eye exam within five years of your diagnosis

• If you have type 2 diabetes, get your first eye exam as soon as possible after your diagnosis

• If you are pregnant and have diabetes, get an eye exam before and during your pregnancy

What to Expect 

An eye exam for diabetic patients involves these steps:
 

• Your eye doctor asks about your diabetes and eye health

• Your eye doctor measures your vision and eye pressure

• Your eye doctor dilates your pupils with eye drops and examines your eyes with an ophthalmoscope

• Your eye doctor may take pictures or do other tests to check for eye damage

• Your eye doctor explains the results and advises you on any treatment or follow-up care

How to Prevent or Delay Eye Problems From Diabetes

You can prevent or delay eye problems from diabetes by controlling your blood sugar levels. To do this, follow your diabetes care plan. This may involve taking medication, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, checking blood sugar levels, and reducing stress. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.

Regular eye exams are also essential for preventing or delaying eye problems. They can help detect changes in your eyes early and prevent them from worsening. Check your eyes for signs of trouble between exams, such as blurry vision, floaters, dark spots, pain, or redness. If you have any of these, contact your eye doctor immediately.

Conclusion

Remember that diabetes does not have to rob you of your sight. By taking good care of your diabetes and eyes, you can protect your vision and enjoy life to the fullest.

For more on diabetic eye exams, visit Blue Hills Eye Associates at our office in Braintree, Massachusetts. Call (781) 794-2200 to schedule an appointment today.