For many people with diabetes, eye health isn’t always top of mind. In fact, one in five people with diabetes doesn’t realize that the disease can damage their eyes.¹ Many who are aware still don’t know what steps can help prevent it.
Scheduling a diabetic eye exam in Avon or New Hartford is one of the best ways to protect your eyesight. In this blog, we’ll discuss how diabetes affects your eyes, what you can do to reduce your risks, and why regular eye exams are important for prevention.
How diabetes affects the eyes
Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in your eyes, raising the risk of serious conditions known as diabetic eye disease. These conditions can develop without obvious symptoms, making prevention and monitoring essential. Common problems include:
- Diabetic retinopathy – damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina
- Diabetic macular edema (DME) – swelling in the central part of the retina that causes vision loss
- Cataracts – clouding of the eye’s lens at an earlier age than usual
- Glaucoma – increased eye pressure that can damage the optic nerve
Regular eye exams are key to detecting these issues before they threaten your sight.
How to prevent eye damage from diabetes
Preventing diabetic eye disease starts with consistent monitoring and professional care. A comprehensive eye exam doesn’t just assess how well you see; it also checks the health of your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. For people with diabetes, a medical eye exam can uncover early changes inside the eye that may not cause symptoms yet.
Unfortunately, studies show that one in four people with diabetes did not get their eyes examined in the last two years¹. Skipping routine exams allows diabetic eye disease to progress silently, often until vision is already at risk.
By keeping up with regular exams, your eye doctor can:
- Monitor changes over time
- Detect eye disease before vision is affected
- Recommend treatments to slow or prevent progression
This proactive approach gives you the best chance at maintaining clear, healthy vision well into the future.
Daily habits that protect your vision
Along with eye exams, there are lifestyle habits that help reduce the risk of eye damage from diabetes:
- Maintain healthy blood sugar levels to limit damage to delicate eye tissues.
- Stay active to improve circulation and overall health.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, omega-3s, and antioxidants.
- Avoid smoking, as it can increase the risk of diabetic complications.
Partnering with trusted eye doctors
Working with our experienced eye doctors in Avon and New Hartford ensures your eye health is closely monitored and supported. Whether you need a routine check-up, a medical eye exam, or treatment for diabetic retinopathy or other eye conditions, personalized care helps you stay ahead of potential problems.
Don’t let diabetic eye disease sneak up on you
Diabetes doesn’t have to mean losing your sight. With regular diabetic and comprehensive eye exams, along with healthy habits and professional care, you can protect your vision and feel confident about your long-term eye health.
Call us today or use our appointment request form to schedule your exam at Avon Vision Associates or New Hartford Eye Associates.
References: