Have you ever wondered how diabetes can silently affect your vision? November marks Diabetic Eye Disease Month, a critical reminder for residents of Visalia and surrounding communities to prioritize eye health. Diabetic eye diseases, if left unchecked, can lead to vision loss—but with the right care, prevention and early intervention are entirely possible.
At Sierra Eye Group, we are committed to helping our community maintain healthy vision through expert eye exams, patient education, and personalized care. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about protecting your eyes from diabetes-related complications.
What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye conditions that can affect people with diabetes, including:
- Diabetic Retinopathy – Damage to the retina caused by high blood sugar levels.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) – Swelling in the central part of the retina that affects sharp vision.
- Cataracts – Clouding of the lens that can develop earlier in people with diabetes.
- Glaucoma – Increased eye pressure that can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss.
Understanding these conditions is the first step in preventing irreversible damage. Regular eye exams are essential, especially if you live in Visalia, CA.
Why Early Detection Matters
Many diabetic eye diseases develop silently, showing no symptoms until vision is already impaired. Early detection through comprehensive eye exams allows your eye care professional to:
- Monitor retinal changes
- Manage blood sugar-related complications
- Prevent progression to vision loss
Did you know? Up to 50% of people with diabetes may develop some form of diabetic eye disease, making routine check-ups crucial for long-term vision health.
How to Protect Your Vision
Preventing diabetic eye disease involves a combination of lifestyle management, medical care, and regular monitoring. Here are actionable steps:
- Schedule Regular Eye Exams
- Adults with diabetes should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year.
- Sierra Eye Group in Visalia provides advanced retinal screening and vision assessments tailored for diabetic patients.
- Control Blood Sugar Levels
- Maintain blood glucose levels within your target range.
- Work with your primary care physician or endocrinologist to manage diabetes effectively.
- Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
- High blood pressure and cholesterol can worsen diabetic eye disease.
- Regular check-ups and prescribed medications help protect your vision
- Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
- Eat a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, fruits, and omega-3s.
- Exercise regularly to improve circulation and overall eye health.
- Avoid smoking, which increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
- Monitor Your Vision at Home
- Watch for blurred vision, dark spots, or floaters.
- Report any sudden changes to your eye doctor immediately.
Common Questions About Diabetic Eye Health
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Lisa Baloian was great and very through in her assessment with full explanations along the visit. Office staff up front were very polite upon arriving and assistants were very helpful as well. Great Job everyone!
Schedule Your Eye Exam Today
Protecting your vision is easier when you take proactive steps. Sierra Eye Group in Visalia provides comprehensive eye exams specifically designed for patients with diabetes. Don’t wait until symptoms appear—early detection is the key to safeguarding your sight.
