Diabetes and Eye Health: Why Routine Dilated Exams Matter

Diabetes is a condition that affects many parts of the body, including your eyes. High blood sugar can harm the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to serious eye problems.

Many of these problems develop silently, with no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. That’s why regular eye exams are essential for people with diabetes.

Here, we’ll explore how diabetes affects your eyes, discuss the importance of routine exams, and show you how early detection can save your vision.

How Diabetes Affects the Eyes

High glucose levels in the blood can damage the small and delicate vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, this damage can cause diabetic retinopathy, a condition where blood vessels leak, swell, or bleed.

This condition is the leading cause of blindness among adults with diabetes, affecting over 22% of patients worldwide. If left untreated, it can worsen and lead to permanent vision loss.

The Silent Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy often causes no symptoms, so you may not realize there’s a problem. The stages develop gradually:

• Microvascular damage begins in the retina’s delicate blood vessels.
• Blood vessels leak fluid or bleed.
• Swelling occurs, and new abnormal vessels grow.
• The retina may detach, leading to severe vision loss.
• Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

While early stages are usually symptom-free, pay attention if you notice:

• Blurry vision
• Seeing spots or floaters
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Colors appear faded or distorted
• Sudden vision loss or shadows in your vision

Why Routine Exams Are Critical

Regular eye exams enable the early detection of issues before they cause serious damage. Optometrists and ophthalmologists can perform comprehensive eye exams and monitor changes.

If you have diabetes, you must schedule these visits at least once a year. With these detailed eye exams, doctors can catch problems early and recommend the necessary treatments to help you preserve your vision and maintain optimal eye health.

What Is a Detailed Eye Exam?

A detailed exam involves placing drops in your eyes to widen the pupils. This widening allows the eye doctor to see the back of your eye more clearly and detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy and other issues that may not be visible during a standard exam.

What to Expect During a Routine Diabetic Eye Exam:

• A review of your medical history and diabetes management.
• Eye pressure measurements to screen for glaucoma.
• Pupil dilation with drops to examine the retina and optic nerve.
• Retinal imaging or photographs to track changes over time.
• A discussion of findings and recommendations for follow-up or treatment.

Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy

The next step in your care involves receiving treatment. Here are some effective treatment options that can slow or stop the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Laser Surgery

Laser therapy uses a single beam of light to seal leaking blood vessels, reduce swelling, and prevent abnormal vessel growth to help maintain vision.

Intravitreal Injections

Anti-VEGF medications are injected into the eye to block abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage. This action helps prevent further damage.

Vitrectomy

This surgical procedure removes blood and scar tissue from the vitreous, restoring clarity and preventing retinal detachment in advanced cases.

Additional Eye Conditions Linked to Diabetes

Retinopathy is not the only eye condition resulting from diabetes. This disease can lead to other eye problems, which we will cover below.

Cataracts

High blood sugar alters the proteins in your eye’s lens, causing a condition called cataracts. This clouding and opacification can lead to blurry vision, faded colors, and difficulty seeing at night.

Glaucoma

Diabetes can cause glaucoma by increasing eye pressure and damaging the optic nerve through vascular and nerve cell changes. These changes lead to a gradual loss of peripheral vision and cause tunnel vision if untreated.

Diabetic Macular Edema

High glucose levels damage blood vessels, causing leakage and swelling in the macula. Diabetic macular edema (DME) can blur your central vision, making it difficult to read and recognize faces.

Additional Tips for Protecting Your Eye Health

Here are some additional tips you can implement to protect your vision more effectively:

• Quit smoking and limit drinking.
• Keep your blood sugar within target levels.
• Schedule regular eye exams with your local doctor.
• Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, greens, and omega-3s.

Schedule Your Next Eye Exam

Routine dilated eye exams are vital for anyone with diabetes. Early detection of eye problems can preserve your vision and improve your quality of life.

If it’s been a year since your last exam or if you notice any changes in your vision, don’t delay. Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor today.

Protect your sight long-term by routinely monitoring your eye health and taking proactive measures to control your diabetes.