At East Dallas Family Eye Care, we recognize the critical influence diabetes can have on eyesight. People with diabetes should know about the eye problems that can happen because of their condition. They should also take steps to keep their eyes healthy.

Diabetes affects the eyes in several ways, primarily through the high blood sugar levels that characterize the condition. These high sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the eye, leading to diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye disease in people with diabetes. Without proper management, diabetic retinopathy can progress, potentially leading to blindness.

Key Eye Conditions Linked to Diabetes

Diabetic individuals are at a higher risk for several eye conditions, including:

• Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. Initially, it may cause mild vision problems but can eventually lead to severe vision loss.
• Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): DME causes swelling in the macula, a part of the retina, in patients with diabetic retinopathy.
• Cataracts: People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age than those without diabetes. Cataracts cause the lens of your eye to cloud, obscuring vision.
• Glaucoma: The risk of developing glaucoma is nearly double in diabetic individuals. Glaucoma affects the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss if not treated early.

Preventive Measures and Management

Managing your diabetes is key to preventing eye complications. At East Dallas Family Eye Care, we recommend the following strategies:

• Regular Eye Exams: Annual eye exams are crucial for detecting early signs of eye disease. These exams allow for timely treatment that can slow or prevent the progression of eye disease.
• Control Blood Sugar Levels: Keeping your blood sugar levels within recommended ranges can significantly reduce the risk of developing eye diseases associated with diabetes.
• Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: It is important to manage your diabetes when high blood pressure and cholesterol levels worsen eye issues.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of diabetes-related eye conditions, so quitting can help protect your eyes.

How East Dallas Family Eye Care Can Help

At East Dallas Family Eye Care, we are committed to helping our patients with diabetes protect their vision. We provide various eye care services. These include regular check-ups, personalized advice, and advanced treatments for diabetic eye conditions.

Effective diabetes management can reduce the risk of vision loss. Schedule an eye exam with us to protect your vision.

At East Dallas Family Eye Care, we prioritize educating and supporting our diabetic patients with a proactive approach to eye care. Our emphasis is on early detection and preventive measures to safeguard vision.