Diabetes can affect your eyes and damage the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. These changes can lead to diabetic eye disease and, in some cases, permanent vision loss.
Diabetic eye disease may develop without noticeable symptoms at first. Regular eye exams are important if you have diabetes because changes can sometimes be found before you notice a problem with your vision.
What Are the Signs of Diabetic Eye Disease?
Early diabetic eye disease may not cause any symptoms. As it progresses, you may notice:
- Blurry or changing vision
- Dark spots or floating shapes in your vision
- Trouble seeing clearly at night
- Areas of missing or blocked vision
- Sudden changes in your eyesight
New or sudden vision changes should be checked promptly.
How Does Diabetes Affect the Eyes?
High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels that supply the retina. This can cause blood or fluid to leak into the retina and affect your vision.
Diabetes can also increase the risk of other eye problems, including cataracts and glaucoma. Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control can help protect your eye health.
How Is Diabetic Eye Disease Found?
During an eye exam, Dr. Van checks the health of your eyes and looks for changes related to diabetes. The retina is carefully examined for signs of damage or other changes.
Additional testing or a referral to an eye specialist may be recommended when needed. Dr. Van can help coordinate your eye care and monitor changes over time.
Diabetic Eye Care in Loveland
You can have diabetic eye disease without knowing it. Regular eye exams are an important part of protecting your vision when you have diabetes.
If you have diabetes or notice changes in your vision, schedule an eye exam with Dr. Van in Loveland.
