Living with diabetes means keeping track of a lot – your blood sugar, medications, diet, and regular medical visits. But one vital part of diabetes care often gets overlooked: your eyes.
Diabetes can silently damage your vision before you even notice symptoms, which is why routine diabetic eye exams are so important.
How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
The most common diabetes-related eye condition is diabetic retinopathy, a complication that affects the blood vessels in the retina. Left unchecked, it can cause permanent vision loss. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize there’s a problem until the damage is already advanced.
That’s why a diabetic eye exam is different from a standard vision check. It’s not just about updating your glasses – it’s about protecting your sight for the long haul.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when chronically high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the part of your eye that detects light and sends visual signals to your brain. In the early stages, you might not notice any symptoms.
But as the condition progresses, it can lead to:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- New floaters in your vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Blank or dark spots in your field of view
- Sudden vision loss
Even if your vision seems fine, the disease could be progressing quietly in the background. That’s why early detection is essential.
What Happens During a Diabetic Eye Exam?
A diabetic eye exam goes beyond a basic vision screening. It’s tailored to catch subtle signs of damage caused by diabetes – often before you notice symptoms.
Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
- Dilation – Eye drops will be used to widen your pupils, allowing the optometrist a full view of your retina and optic nerve.
- Retinal Imaging – High-resolution imaging tools help capture detailed pictures of the inside of your eyes, making it easier to track changes over time.
- Visual Acuity and Pressure Testing – These standard components ensure any vision changes or signs of glaucoma are also addressed.
- Personalized Evaluation – Your doctor will assess for early signs of diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and other complications related to high blood sugar.
This type of thorough exam is the best way to detect damage early and protect your vision in the long run.
Diabetic Eye Care in Ellicott City
Diabetic eye care is preventive care – and it can make all the difference. By catching problems early, you can begin treatment before vision loss occurs.
At , we provide comprehensive diabetic eye exams for patients throughout Ellicott City and the surrounding areas. Our technology allows us to detect early changes in the retina, monitor progression, and work closely with your primary care provider or endocrinologist when needed.
If you’re managing diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Protect your eyesight with regular diabetic retinopathy screenings with our trusted team.