A Health-Based Approach to Eye Care

Your health and your eyes are connected in a unique, intricate way. Much of your overall health can affect your eye health and could increase the risk of several different eye diseases and conditions.

Diabetes is one such health problem that can have a significant effect on your eye health. To help, we use a comprehensive diabetic eye exam process to help you manage and maintain your vision throughout your life.

Please contact us today to book your appointment.

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How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes

Diabetes is a systemic condition that affects your body’s ability to produce insulin, a vital hormone responsible for managing your blood-sugar levels.

Rising blood-sugar levels can lead to several health problems, damage delicate blood vessels in your retina, and increase the risk of developing an eye disease or condition. Many of these problems can permanently impact your vision.

If you have diabetes, we recommend visiting us for an eye exam at least once a year so we can help manage your eye health and detect potential issues before they affect your vision.

Diabetes can affect your retina, macula, optic disc, and crystalline lens. We use several powerful technologies to observe these structures in your eyes, and the information we uncover could help us manage and preserve your vision.

If you have any questions regarding your eye health, please feel free to get in touch with us today.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common eye diseases related to diabetes. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in your retina, causing the vessels to bulge, break, and leak fluid. Over time, it could lead to permanent vision loss.

The earliest stages, known as non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, can develop without noticeable symptoms for years. Over time, it can progress to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which can create scar tissue on your retina and increase the risk of retinal detachment.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic macular edema is an eye disease that can develop as a result of diabetic retinopathy.

As fluids leak from damaged blood vessels in your retina, the fluids can accumulate under your macula and cause it to swell. As the macula swells, you may lose aspects of your central vision like your ability to see fine details, read, or recognize faces.

Cataracts

Diabetes and increase the risk of developing cataracts earlier in life. This issue may develop when diabetes increases glucose levels in your eye, which can cause the lens to develop a hazy, milky color that may impair your vision.

Learn more about cataracts on our Adult & Senior Eye Exams page.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Diabetes can double your risk of developing open-angle glaucoma, and eye disease that can damage your optic nerve over time.

You can learn more about glaucoma by visiting our Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management page.

Manage the Relationship Between Your Body & Eyes

Quality care is the key to managing your eye health and the factors that affect it. Please book an appointment with us and discover how our medical approach focuses on your health and vision.

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