How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes—and Why Regular Exams Matter

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There’s a good reason why your optometrist in Coldwater, MS recommends that you have a diabetic eye exam at least once a year. At Coldwater Vision Center, our goal is to help all of our new and existing patients to preserve their vision for a lifetime. The effects of diabetes on eyes is well-proven, and the risk of vision loss due to this disease is very high. Learn more about how diabetes affects your eyes, and why regular exams matter so much, including a speciality diabetic eye exam.

Diabetic Retinopathy

One of the most common eye conditions linked to diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. It’s something you may have heard of, but might not know exactly how it poses a threat to vision. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. In the early stages, symptoms may be minimal or nonexistent. Over time, however, damaged vessels may leak fluid or bleed, leading to vision changes, blurriness, or even permanent vision loss.

Macular Edema

Another common danger is macular edema, which distorts vision in strange ways. The macula is located inside the eye, at the back, so it’s not something that you can detect at home. Only a diabetic eye exam can detect problems with the macula early on.

Cataracts and Glaucoma

People with diabetes are also at a higher risk for cataracts, which cause clouding of the eye’s lens, and glaucoma, a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve. Both conditions can significantly impair vision if not addressed early.

Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Routine comprehensive eye exams are crucial for individuals with diabetes. Eye doctors can detect early signs of diabetic eye disease before symptoms appear. With timely intervention—such as managing blood sugar, using medications, or undergoing laser treatments—many diabetes-related eye problems can be slowed or prevented.

If you have diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. You might not notice anything, yet changes could be already happening. Early detection with a diabetic eye exam in Coldwater, MS is the key to preserving sight and preventing complications.

3 Easy Ways to Care for Your Eyes If You Have Diabetes

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When you have diabetes, you’re thrust into a world of restrictions and recommendations. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to forget a few or even to fall back into your old habits completely. If you want to keep your eyesight, though, it may mean taking a few precautions. We’ll look at three simple ways to adjust your routine for better diabetic eye care in Coldwater, MS, so you’re less likely to contend with vision loss.

Manage Your Blood

Managing your blood should be a relatively easy step because it’s a task that all diabetic patients should be doing. When your blood sugar or blood pressure is too high, the vessels in the retina can be damaged. This is how retinopathy gets started in diabetic patients, and it’s also known as the most common cause of blindness if you have the condition. The best way to manage your blood health is through diet and exercise, so now is a good time to step up your intake of veggies and fruits while taking a few more walks around the block.

Watch for Visual Changes

Any changes in your vision can be a sign of a problem with your eyesight, and this is true regardless of how healthy your current lifestyle is. A few floaters in your field of vision every once in a while may not be a cause for concern, but if you’re noticing them at a higher frequency, it may be time to come in for an appointment. Other symptoms may include anything from flashes of light to double vision.

Visit an Eye Doctor in Coldwater

The good news is that diabetic retinopathy and other diabetic conditions can be treated if they’re caught early. When you schedule an eye exam with an optometrist in Coldwater, MS, you can work with a doctor who can spot the signs sooner than later. They can also tell you what exactly you can do on your end to reduce the chances it will get worse. Whether you’re due for your yearly checkup or you’ve noticed that your vision is more blurry than usual, the pros at Coldwater Vision Center are here to set you up for success.