Diabetic Eye Exams | Columbia | Essential Eyes Columbia

Your Vision Health Matters

Because of the serious conditions diabetes can cause, it’s no wonder it’s one of the leading causes of blindness. Fortunately, visiting your eye doctor regularly can help you avoid vision-related problems caused by diabetes.

If you’re due for your next diabetic eye exam, book an appointment with our eye doctor.

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Diseases & Conditions Your Eye Doctor Is Looking For

There are several ways diabetes can affect your eyes.

Diabetic Retinopathy

One of the most troubling problems that can come from diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. Most problems from this condition result from damage to the blood vessels in the retina. And an increase in pressure from fluid building up or that same fluid leaking within the eye is one of the primary causes of the damage.

It’s important to note that people with both type 1 or 2 diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy can include:

Blurry vision
Spots, floaters, or flashes
Blind spots
Dark or empty spot in your vision

Detached Retina

Retinal detachment is fairly rare, but your risk increases if you’re over 50 or have had previous eye injuries. If it happens, it’s generally an emergency. Once retinal detachment causes damage to your eye and vision, the damage may be permanent.

Symptoms of a detached retina can include:

Suddenly developing a lot of floaters in your vision
Flashes of light in the eye
Blurry vision
Growing shadows over your field of vision
Losing peripheral vision
The appearance of a “curtain” coming across your vision

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 65. But younger people can develop this condition, especially those with diabetes. Glaucoma can develop into its later stages with little to no symptoms, so eye exams are the only reliable way to receive an early diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of glaucoma can include:

Patchy blind spots in side (peripheral) vision
Diminished central vision (late stage)

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a more serious version of the condition. In most cases, this is an eye emergency, and you should seek medical care as soon as possible.

Symptoms include:

Severe headache or eye pain
Upset stomach or throwing up
Blurry vision
Red eyes
Halos around light

Cataracts

Typically, cataracts are an age-related condition that most people won’t experience until after age 45. But, having diabetes puts a person at a higher risk of developing cataracts in one or both eyes at a younger age.

Symptoms of cataracts can include:

Sensitivity to light
Blurry vision
Excessive glare
Decreased night vision

Book Your Next Diabetic Exam

An integral part of diabetes management is seeing your eye doctor for a diabetic eye exam every year. This helps ensure your eyes stay as healthy as they can be. If you’re due for your next appointment, book one today.

Our professional, dedicated staff is committed to making your eye health a priority.

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