Why People With Diabetes Should Get Their Eyes Checked
This is why you need to take care of your eyes if you have diabetes.
Annual eye exams are an important part of staying healthy, especially if you have diabetes. Even if you can see clearly, dilated eye exams help detect conditions that may not cause symptoms but can result in serious damage to your vision if they go undetected.
Why do people with diabetes need annual eye exams?
Diabetes may affect the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to diseases that put your vision at risk. Your risk of these eye conditions is higher if you have diabetes:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
If caught early, many eye conditions are treatable. Having your eyes checked by your regular doctor or an optician is not enough. Only optometrists and ophthalmologists can detect signs of diabetic eye complications by doing a dilated eye exam.
What is a dilated eye exam?
Your eye doctor will place drops in your eyes to dilate (widen) your pupils so they can see your cornea, lens, retina, optic nerve and blood vessels in the back of your eyes. This allows the doctor to assess the health of your eye and is different than a vision screening (although they can be done in the same visit).
When should you see an eye doctor?
The American Diabetes Association® recommends yearly dilated eye exams for anyone with diabetes. You should also schedule an appointment with your eye doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Blurry or double vision
- Difficulty reading or focusing
- Seeing spots or floaters
- Eye pain or pressure
- Dark or empty areas in your line of vision
- Trouble seeing things to the side
Think of a yearly eye exam like your annual preventative appointment with your primary physician. The exam helps you manage and maintain your health, even if you don't have any particular issues that you are aware of. If you haven't had a dilated eye exam in the last year, it's a good idea to schedule an eye exam soon.
Speak with a Specialist
When you choose Guthrie Specialty Eye Care, you have access to the area’s largest team of eye care experts, including certified optometrists and ophthalmologists trained to treat cataracts, glaucoma, corneal conditions, retinal conditions, and more.
Copyright 2022 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Health eCooking® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Cook eKitchen™ is a designated trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.
Date Last Reviewed: September 6, 2022
Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor
Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD
Learn more about Baldwin Publishing Inc. editorial policy, privacy policy, ADA compliance and sponsorship policy.
No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.