How Does Diabetes Affect Your Eyesight?

Diabetes doesn’t just impact your blood sugar levels - it can also take a serious toll on your vision. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the delicate blood vessels in your eyes, leading to several diabetes-related eye conditions. Understanding these risks and scheduling regular diabetic eye exams in Cary is one of the best ways to protect your eyesight.

The Connection Between Diabetes and Vision

When blood sugar levels remain elevated, it affects the small blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the retina - the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This damage can cause fluid to leak, blood flow to become restricted, and new, fragile blood vessels to form. The result can be a range of diabetic eye conditions that threaten vision if left untreated.

Diabetic Retinopathy

This is the most common and serious eye complication of diabetes. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, however, patients can experience blurred vision, dark spots, and even vision loss. Routine exams allow eye doctors in Cary, NC to detect these changes early and recommend treatments to slow or prevent further damage.

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

DME occurs when fluid leaks into the macula - the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision - causing swelling and vision distortion. Managing blood sugar levels and receiving timely treatment are crucial to preserving sight.

Cataracts and Glaucoma

People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age and are at higher risk for glaucoma. Both conditions can gradually reduce vision, emphasizing the importance of proactive diabetic eye care in Cary.

The Importance of Routine Diabetic Eye Exams

Many diabetic eye diseases progress silently, showing few or no early symptoms. That’s why annual diabetic eye exams in Cary are vital for early detection. During your exam, your eye doctor can spot subtle changes in the retina or other structures before they impact your vision - giving you the best chance for effective treatment and long-term protection.

Protect Your Vision at Parkside Eye Care

At Parkside Eye Care, our experienced eye doctors in Cary, NC are committed to helping patients manage and prevent diabetes-related eye conditions. From advanced retinal imaging to personalized treatment plans, we provide the comprehensive diabetic eye care in Cary you deserve.
 

Schedule your diabetic eye exam at Parkside Eye Care and take the first step toward protecting your vision. Visit our office in Cary, North Carolina, or call (919) 883-9987 to book an appointment today.