The sting of dry, irritated, or blurry vision isn’t just inconvenient—it may be a warning sign of diabetes‑related eye changes. November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a perfect time to learn how diabetes affects the eyes and what you can do to protect your sight for the long term. At East Dallas Family Eye Care, our team sees these changes every day and helps patients act early with clear, step‑by‑step care.
Diabetes can affect anyone—type 1, type 2, and even gestational diabetes—and the risk of eye disease grows the longer you live with the condition. As your website notes, “The longer you have had the disease, the greater the risk.” Keeping blood sugar in a healthy range and sticking to routine eye exams are two of the most effective ways to prevent vision loss.
See an Optometrist Near Me this November
Early diabetic eye disease often has no symptoms. That’s why a comprehensive, dilated eye exam is so important—your eye doctor can spot tiny blood vessel changes in the retina before you notice vision problems. Catching issues early means more options and better outcomes.
Care From the Best Eye Doctor in Pleasant Grove
People with diabetes benefit from a consistent eye‑care home: one place that knows your history, tracks changes, and coordinates with your primary care provider or endocrinologist. Our patients appreciate access to comprehensive vision care services in Pleasant Grove, along with practical guidance tailored to daily life—work, screens, sport, and family demands. When you’re comparing providers, look for modern imaging, clear communication, and a follow‑up plan that fits your schedule.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Common Risks and Treatment Options
Why the duration of diabetes matters
Diabetic retinopathy happens when long‑term high blood sugar damages the tiny vessels that nourish your retina. Over time, this can lead to bleeding, swelling, and scar tissue that distorts or blocks vision. As your site emphasizes, maintaining stable glucose is essential to prevention: “It is therefore essential to keep your blood sugar levels under control to prevent vision loss.”
Treatment options your eye doctor may recommend
When needed, evidence‑based treatments can help stabilize or improve vision. Laser surgery can seal leaking vessels or reduce abnormal new growth. In advanced cases, a vitrectomy—replacing the gel‑like vitreous inside the eye—can remove blood or scar tissue to restore clearer sight. Your doctor will explain which approach fits your stage of disease and overall health goals.
What to Expect at Your Diabetic Eye Exam
- A detailed health and medication review, including A1C history and blood pressure.
- Retinal imaging and a dilated exam to assess the macula and retinal vessels.
- A clear plan: monitoring interval, lifestyle tips, and any referrals if treatment is indicated.
Small daily habits can make a meaningful difference in protecting your vision. Try incorporating the following into your routine:
- Keep your blood sugar as steady as possible
- Stay active with regular movement
- Avoid smoking
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors
- Follow the care plan recommended by your primary care provider
These simple choices support not only your eyes, but your overall health as well.
Schedule Your Eye Exam Before Year-end in Pleasant Grove
If diabetes is part of your life, your eyes deserve a proactive plan. Our team at East Dallas Family Eye Care delivers detailed exams, clear explanations, and coordinated care you can trust.
Make this Diabetes Awareness Month your starting line for lifelong vision. Request an appointment online, call 214‑367‑5514, or visit us in Pleasant Grove, Texas to take the next step.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get a diabetic eye exam?
- Most adults with diabetes need a comprehensive, dilated exam at least once a year. Your doctor may recommend more frequent visits based on findings.
I’m pregnant with gestational diabetes—do I need an exam?
- Yes. Gestational diabetes can affect the eyes. An exam helps catch changes early and protect your vision during and after pregnancy.
Will I notice symptoms if retinopathy starts?
- Not always. Many patients see normally until swelling or bleeding progresses. That’s why proactive exams matter.
Is diabetic retinopathy treatable?
- Yes. Options like laser procedures and vitrectomy can slow or prevent further loss—and sometimes improve vision—when started at the right time.