Why People with Diabetes Need Regular Eye Exams

Image shows a woman's eye up-close. She has been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy following a comprehensive eye exam Diabetes can affect more than just your blood sugar levels — it can significantly impact your eye health and vision. At Central Florida Eye Institute, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Thomas Croley is committed to helping patients with diabetes protect their eyesight through regular eye exams and advanced care. Diabetic eye disease often develops silently, so regular check-ups are crucial for early detection and treatment.

How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes

Diabetes can lead to a range of eye problems, collectively known as diabetic eye disease. These conditions often progress without noticeable symptoms until vision loss occurs:

  • Diabetic retinopathy: High blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to bleeding, swelling, and potential vision loss.
  • Diabetic macular edema (DME): Fluid buildup in the macula causes blurred central vision.
  • Cataracts: People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at an earlier age.
  • Glaucoma: Diabetes increases the risk of glaucoma, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness if untreated.

Regular eye exams allow for early detection of these issues, which is critical because vision loss from diabetic eye disease may be irreversible without timely treatment.

Early Detection Saves Vision

Even if vision seems fine, individuals with diabetes should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. During the exam, specialists use advanced diagnostic tools to detect subtle changes in the retina, macula, and optic nerve. Early signs of damage can appear before noticeable symptoms develop, allowing for proactive care and treatments such as:

  • Laser therapy for diabetic retinopathy
  • Medications to reduce swelling from DME
  • Surgical solutions for advanced cases

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone with diabetes—Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes—is at risk of developing diabetic eye disease. Additional factors, like high blood pressure, cholesterol, or a prolonged history of diabetes, can further increase that risk.

Protect Your Vision at Central Florida Eye Institute

As this blog has outlined, regular eye exams are the key to preventing complications and maintaining long-term eye health. It’s no wonder that Dr. Croley is Ocala, Florida’s most trusted eye doctor for patients with diabetes. Schedule your next diabetic eye exam today by contacting us at (352) 237-8400.

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