How Diabetes Increases Your Risk for Eye Diseases

Diabetes affects more than just your blood sugar - it can have a serious impact on your eye health. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, leading to several vision-threatening conditions over time. Understanding how diabetes contributes to eye disease and scheduling regular diabetic-related eye exams in San Diego are crucial steps in protecting your vision.

The Connection Between Diabetes and Eye Health

When blood sugar remains elevated, it can weaken and damage the small blood vessels that supply your retina. This damage can cause fluid to leak or new, fragile blood vessels to form, which can distort vision or lead to scarring. Over time, these complications increase the risk of developing serious eye diseases such as:

•           Diabetic Retinopathy: The most common diabetic eye condition, caused by damage to the retina’s blood vessels. It often develops without symptoms at first, making regular exams essential for early detection.

•           Diabetic Macular Edema: Swelling in the macula (the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision), leading to blurred or distorted sight.

•           Glaucoma: People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma, which can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss.

•           Cataracts: Diabetes accelerates the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to cataracts at a younger age.

The Importance of Diabetic-Related Eye Exams

Because many diabetic eye diseases progress silently, annual comprehensive eye exams are critical for early detection and treatment. During a diabetic-related eye exam in San Diego, your eye doctor will use advanced imaging to examine the retina, monitor any changes, and recommend preventive care or treatment as needed.

These exams not only detect eye problems early but can also provide insight into how well your diabetes is being managed overall. Early diagnosis allows for prompt intervention - often preventing irreversible vision loss.

The Role of Eye Disease Management

At EyeWorld Optometry, our team provides expert eye disease management in San Diego, helping patients with diabetes maintain optimal eye health. We use the latest diagnostic technology to detect even the earliest signs of damage and develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your vision needs.

Partner with EyeWorld Optometry for Expert Diabetic Eye Care

Diabetes can quietly damage your eyes long before symptoms appear, but regular eye exams can make all the difference. Protecting your sight starts with proactive care and professional monitoring from a trusted optometrist.
 

Schedule your diabetic-related eye exam at EyeWorld Optometry and stay ahead of eye disease before it impacts your vision. Visit our office in San Diego, California, or call (858) 974-1447 to schedule an appointment today.