Diabetes and Your Eye Health

With approximately 37 million people in the U.S. living with diabetes, the chances are good that someone you know — or perhaps you yourself — is affected. Diabetes can have a significant impact on your overall health, including your eyes. Left unmanaged, it can lead to serious health complications.

How Diabetes Affects the Eyes

Because diabetes impacts your blood vessels, it can lead to eye complications including:

• Diabetic Retinopathy — Damage to the blood vessels in the retina that can cause vision loss or blindness if untreated
• Cataracts — More common and occurring at a younger age in people with diabetes
• Glaucoma — Elevated eye pressure that damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss if untreated

Why Early Detection Matters

Diabetic eye disease is often symptomless in its early stages. Annual dilated eye exams are the most reliable way to detect these changes before vision loss occurs. Early detection can help preserve your sight and allow for timely treatment.

What You Can Do

The best things you can do are manage your blood sugar levels, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and schedule annual eye exams. Even if your vision seems fine, it’s essential not to skip your appointments.

The good news is that early detection of diabetes-related eye changes can help preserve your vision. Contact Miamisburg Vision Care in Miamisburg to schedule your diabetic eye exam today.