Diabetic Eye Care

Over 30 million Americans have diabetes, yet many aren’t aware of the eye problems that diabetes can cause until it’s too late. With early preventive care and careful management, diabetes needn’t affect your eye health. The team of optometrists at Atlantic Eye Consultants provides expert diabetic eye care to patients in Melbourne, Merritt Island, Titusville, Rockledge, and Palm Bay, Florida. If you have diabetes, call the practice today or schedule an appointment online.

What eye diseases can diabetes cause?

Diabetes damages blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your eyes. If left untreated, advanced degeneration could result in severe eye diseases, including:

Glaucoma 

Glaucoma occurs when high pressure damages the nerve connecting the eye to the brain. It leads to blindness if untreated. 

Cataracts 

Cataracts are an irreversible condition. The lens of the eye clouds, and vision deteriorates. 

Retinopathy

Retinopathy occurs when blood vessels in the retina become weak. There are no noticeable symptoms, so only an eye exam can flag the condition.

When it comes to diabetes and eye health, the biggest issue is that symptoms are often easy to miss or nonexistent. It’s important to schedule regular eye exams to catch problems before they progress.

When should I visit the eye doctor for diabetic eye care?

If you have diabetes and you experience any of the following symptoms, you should schedule an eye health exam if:

• It takes a while to adjust to darkness
• It’s difficult to see in dim light
• You see a red fog
• You see red spots
• You see black spots or lines that don’t go away
• Your vision suddenly deteriorates
• You struggle to focus on things
• You have double vision
• You experience headaches or eye pain

It’s always best to be safe. Your optometrist performs a full vision check to catch any changes in eye health.

How can I practice safe diabetic eye care?

Diabetic eye care is a collaboration between you and your doctor. While he provides exceptional eye care, there’s a lot you must do at home to support the process, including:

Healthy vitals

High blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol can lead to eye disease and diabetes. Keep these at safe levels.

Healthy life choices

Smoking causes blood vessel damage in the eyes, so aim to quit. Exercise maintains blood sugar at healthy levels, while diet is an essential factor in keeping diabetes symptoms under control.

Regular eye checks

Schedule a dilated eye exam at least once a year and inform your doctor whenever you notice significant vision or eye comfort changes. You can also work with him to create an ongoing care program.

Your eye health is Atlantic Eye Consultants' top priority. When you partner with him, you benefit from his years of experience providing diabetic eye care. Call the office today to make an appointment online.