Diabetes can have a big impact on your eyes, and it’s important to know how to protect your vision. Dr. Lindsay Smithen, a board-certified, fellowship trained retina specialist, explains what you can do to lower your risk of vision loss caused by diabetes. 

Diabetic eye disease is a condition that can lead to blindness if not diagnosed and treated. It is the most common reason why adults in their working years lose their vision permanently. So, why does diabetes affect your eyes? Diabetes is a disease that affects the tiny blood vessels throughout your body. The blood vessels in the back of your eyes, an area called the retina, are very small and they are especially vulnerable. When these blood vessels are weakened by diabetes, they may start to leak blood or fluid that can cause the retina to swell. This can cause vision loss.

You might be wondering if you would feel any symptoms if you have diabetic eye disease. The truth is, most of the time, there are no noticeable symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly. That’s why it’s crucial for people with diabetes to have a yearly eye screening. This helps catch any eye problems early, before it’s too late. As the disease progresses, you might start experiencing blurry vision or see floaters, which can make it harder to read, drive, or see things clearly.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to get an initial eye exam from an eye specialist called an ophthalmologist. This exam is different from the one you get when you need glasses or contacts. During a diabetes eye exam, your eyes will be dilated, or a special machine designed for diabetic eye exams may be used. At Network Eye, we offer both types of exams. We even have a quick five-minute test that doesn’t require dilation for adults over 22 which many people find convenient.

Thankfully, there are effective treatments available for diabetic eye disease and they are getting better all the time. These treatments work best when started early in the disease. Early diagnosis is the key to achieving the best possible vision outcome. Treatments for diabetic eye disease include medications like anti-VEGF, which help reduce swelling in the back of the eye, as well as laser procedures performed by a retina specialist in their office. These treatments are highly successful in preventing vision loss, but they work even better when started early.

If you have diabetic eye disease, there are things you can do to help protect your vision. The most important step is to work closely with your doctor to control your blood sugar and blood pressure. It’s also essential to collaborate with your eye doctor to develop the best treatment plan for your specific needs to ensure you have the best chance of maintaining good vision.

The thought of losing your vision due to diabetes can be frightening, but with proper care, treatment, and regular check-ups, most patients are able to keep their sight and continue living fulfilling lives.

Dr. Smithen is the Co-Chief Medical Officer of Network Eye, a healthcare organization that assists people with diabetes in caring for their eyes through convenient clinics in retail and mobile locations. Network Eye’s first clinic is located in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit www.networkeyecare.com