Home » Blog » 3 Reasons Comprehensive Eye Exams Matter for Diabetes

Posted by: South Georgia / North Florida Eye Partners in News

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and South Georgia Eye Partners wants you to know that this disease can affect your eyes just as much as the rest of your body.  More than 8% of the American population have diabetes, and for this large group of at-risk patients, regular dilated eye exams are critical in order to prevent vision loss.

 

Because of the damage the disease can do to the retina and other parts of the eye, optometrists stress the need for regular eye care for patients with diabetes.  Here are three reasons why:

 

1. Patients with diabetes have higher risk factors.  People with diabetes are 40% more likely to suffer from glaucoma than people without the disease.  These patients are also 60% more likely to develop cataracts, and they tend to develop this at a younger age and with faster disease progression.  Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most serious sight-threatening complications of diabetes.
2. Symptoms may be invisible.  According to the AOA’s 2013 American Eye=Q® consumer survey, only 32% of respondents are aware that diabetic eye disease often has no visual signs or symptoms.  This is all the more reason for regular eye exams.
3. Early detection matters.  Comprehensive exams can help detect disease early and thereby limit the damage diabetes does to the eyes.  

 

Any of the following symptoms should prompt high-risk patients to come in for a comprehensive eye exam:

• Sudden blurred or double vision
• Trouble reading or focusing on near-work
• Eye pain or pressure
• A noticeable aura or dark ring around lights or illuminated objects
• Visible dark spots in vision or images of flashing lights

 

South Georgia Eye Partners’ Optometrists and Ophthalmologists provide comprehensive eye exams and follow up treatment for any diabetic eye issues.  Anyone with diabetes is urged to schedule yearly eye exams for any preventative care that might be needed.  Call us today to set up an appointment to keep your vision and your eyes healthy.

 

Source:  American Optometric Association