Why You Should Schedule Regular Eye Exams If You Have Diabetes

Diabetes affects more than just blood sugar levels — it can have serious consequences for your vision. Dr. Thomas Croley and the team at Central Florida Eye Institute provide expert eye care, including diabetic eye exams, to help detect and manage complications before they lead to permanent damage. If you have diabetes, scheduling routine eye exams is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your sight.

Diabetes and Vision Problems

Diabetes increases the risk of several eye conditions, including:

• Diabetic Retinopathy: A leading cause of blindness, this condition occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina.
• Diabetic Macular Edema: Swelling in the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp vision, which can cause blurry or distorted vision.
• Glaucoma: Diabetes doubles the risk of glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve due to increased eye pressure.
• Cataracts: People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at an earlier age, leading to cloudy or blurred vision.

How Regular Eye Exams Help

Early detection is key to preventing serious vision loss. A comprehensive diabetic eye exam includes tests that check for signs of damage before symptoms become noticeable. During your exam, our specialists may use:

• Dilated Eye Exam: Drops enlarge the pupils, allowing for a detailed view of the retina.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): A high-resolution scan that detects swelling or changes in retinal thickness.
• Fluorescein Angiography: A dye test that highlights abnormal blood vessels in the retina.

By identifying these issues early, we can recommend treatments such as laser therapy, medications, or lifestyle adjustments to slow disease progression.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. However, if you have signs of diabetic retinopathy or other complications, Dr. Croley may recommend more frequent checkups.

Protect Your Vision with Expert Care

Your eyesight is too valuable to neglect. If you have diabetes, routine eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment of vision-threatening conditions. At Central Florida Eye Specialists in Ocala, Florida, Dr. Croley offers advanced diagnostics and personalized care to help you maintain clear vision and eye health. His commitment to staying on top of the latest research makes him the best local ophthalmologist for this care. Contact our team today by calling 352-237-8400 today.