Diabetic Related Eye Exams

Living with diabetes means paying close attention to more than just your blood sugar, and it also means protecting your vision. Elevated blood sugar levels can harm the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, sometimes long before you notice any changes in how you see. At Westside Eye Center, we are committed to helping patients with diabetes understand the risks, detect problems early, and keep their eyes healthy for years to come.
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How Diabetes Affects Your Vision

When blood sugar levels are consistently high, they can damage the delicate blood vessels in your eyes. Over time, this damage can lead to fluid leakage, swelling, or abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. These changes may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, but if left untreated, they can result in vision loss or even blindness.

Common Diabetic-Related Eye Conditions

People with diabetes are at increased risk for several serious eye diseases, including:

• Diabetic Retinopathy - Damage to the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to blurred vision and vision loss.

• Diabetic Macular Edema - Swelling in the central part of the retina (macula) that affects sharp, detailed vision.

• Cataracts - Clouding of the eye’s lens that can develop earlier and progress faster in people with diabetes.

• Glaucoma - Increased pressure inside the eye that can damage the optic nerve, often without early warning signs.
  
  

What Is a Diabetic Eye Exam?

A diabetic eye exam is a comprehensive, dilated eye exam specifically designed to detect early signs of diabetes-related eye disease. During the exam, Dr. Brittain will:

• Dilate your pupils to examine the retina in detail

• Check for changes in blood vessels or signs of swelling

• Measure eye pressure to screen for glaucoma

• Evaluate the lens for signs of cataracts
  
  

These exams are crucial for identifying problems early - often before symptoms are noticeable.

When to Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam

Don’t wait until you notice vision changes to schedule an exam. Many diabetic eye conditions progress silently in their early stages, making it possible for damage to occur before you experience any noticeable symptoms. Most people with diabetes should have a comprehensive diabetic eye exam once a year. This routine screening allow us to monitor changes over time and address any concerns before they become serious.

If you have existing eye disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or poorly controlled blood sugar, Dr. Brittain may recommend exams every few months. Pregnant women with diabetes should also schedule additional eye exams during pregnancy to safeguard their vision.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Vision Loss from Diabetes

In addition to regular eye exams, these steps can help protect your vision:

• Control your blood sugar

• Manage blood pressure and cholesterol

• Quit smoking

• Exercise regularly

• Follow Dr. Brittain’s recommendations
  
  

Take Charge of Your Eye Health Today

Diabetes can have a profound impact on your vision, but with the right care and proactive monitoring, you can greatly reduce your risk of serious eye problems. Regular diabetic eye exams are one of the most effective tools for catching issues early, when treatment is most successful.

Schedule your diabetic eye exam with Westside Eye Center today and take the first step toward safeguarding your sight for years to come.