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Diabetes can affect many aspects of your health and increase your chances of developing eye diseases and other ocular conditions. Because of this, a wide range of health resources, including the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend patients with diabetes have annual eye exams.
Eye doctors are capable of detecting signs of diabetes, even if you blood sugar is under control and you aren’t experiencing any symptoms. Be proactive with your eye health, and book your eye exam with us today.
HOW CAN DIABETES AFFECT YOUR EYE HEALTH?
Diabetes is a systemic disease that affects how your body processes sugar, also known as glucose.
Diabetes can raise your chances of developing eye diseases including:
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye disease that occurs in patients with diabetes. Tiny blood vessels in the retina, the inside layer at the back of your eyes, are damaged over time, leading to the vessels leaking or bulging. The result is retinal damage, which may permanently affect your vision.
The risk of developing diabetic retinopathy increases the longer you have diabetes. Using tobacco products, having high blood pressure, and having high cholesterol can also increase your risk.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Macular Edema
Diabetic macular edema (DME) occurs when fluids leak into the macula, the center part of your retina, causing it to swell. This swelling can then permanently damage your central vision.
Glaucoma
You are twice as likely to develop open-angle glaucoma if you have diabetes. Open-angle glaucoma occurs when too much fluid is being produced in the eye or note enough fluid is being drained through the drainage angle of your eye, known as the trabecular meshwork. This results in elevated intraocular pressure.
Glaucoma
EYE EXAMS FOR PATIENTS WITH DIABETES
If you have diabetes, there are a variety of tools your eye doctor may employ to help examine your eyes to safeguard your vision. Some of these tools include:
Fundus Photography
Fundus cameras take detailed photos of the inside of your eye, including your retina, macula, optic disc, and vascular system. Your eye doctor can then use these images to detect signs of eye disease, including diabetic retinopathy and DME. These images can be saved and compared over time.
OCT
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can capture cross-sectional images of your eye using light. Your eye doctor can use the images to assess your retina and look for signs of eye diseases.
SAFEGUARD YOUR VISION TODAY
Protect your eyes from the threats posed by diabetes. Please book your next eye exam with us today.