Many people associate eye exams with checking vision or getting new glasses, but did you know an eye exam can also detect signs of serious health conditions like diabetes? Changes in your eyes can provide early warning signs of this disease. Learn how an eye exam can help detect diabetes and why regular checkups are so important.
How can an eye exam reveal diabetes?
During a comprehensive eye exam in Waterbury, our optometrist will not only assess your vision but also check the health of your retina, blood vessels, and optic nerve. Diabetes can cause changes to the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina, the part of your eye that detects light and sends signals to the brain.
Signs of diabetic retinopathy that our eye doctor may spot during an exam include:
- Leaking blood vessels
- Swelling of the retina
- Tiny spots of blood, called microaneurysms
- Abnormal growth of new blood vessels
- Changes in the optic nerve
These changes can often occur before you notice any symptoms. This is why routine eye exams are crucial, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it.
Early detection is key
Diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss if left untreated and detecting it early during an eye exam gives you the best chance of protecting your sight. If caught in time, you can slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy with better blood sugar control, lifestyle changes, and medical treatment.
Additionally, an eye exam may help identify other early signs of diabetes, such as swelling or fluid buildup in the macula (the part of your retina responsible for sharp central vision) or damage to the optic nerve. If our optometrist notices any of these changes, they can recommend further testing or refer you to a specialist to confirm a diabetes diagnosis.
Why regular eye exams are important if you have diabetes
If you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes, regular eye exams are critical for monitoring your eye health. Even if you don’t notice any vision changes, damage can occur without symptoms. Also, the longer you have diabetes, the greater your risk of developing eye problems like diabetic retinopathy or even glaucoma and cataracts.
For those with diabetes, most eye doctors recommend having a dilated eye exam at least once a year. This allows your optometrist to get a detailed view of the retina and detect any changes in the blood vessels that could signal the start of diabetic retinopathy.
What you can do to protect your eyes
Here are a few steps you can take to protect your vision if you have diabetes:
- Keep your blood sugar levels under control: High blood sugar can cause damage to the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to vision problems.
- Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol: Both of these factors can contribute to diabetic retinopathy.
- Quit smoking: Smoking increases your risk of developing eye diseases, especially when combined with diabetes.
- Get regular eye exams: Your optometrist is your first line of defense in detecting and managing diabetes-related eye issues.
Visit Waterbury Eye Associates for comprehensive care
At Waterbury Eye Associates, we’re dedicated to helping you maintain healthy vision through every stage of life. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or are concerned about your eye health, our diabetic eye exams in Waterbury can detect early signs of issues and help you prevent vision loss.
Contact us to schedule your next eye exam and let us help you protect both your eyes and your overall health.
