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The Link Between Diabetes and Eye Health: What You Need to Know

Elderly man receiving an eye exam

According to the CDC, it is estimated that more than half a billion individuals worldwide will live with diabetes. It is a chronic condition of high blood sugar levels that can lead to various health complications. These complications can include the onset of eye conditions.

If you have diabetes, you should inform your Tampa eye specialist at Florida Eye Center so that they can keep a close eye on potential visual conditions that could potentially develop.

Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Diabetic Patients

Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This damage can lead to various eye conditions that could lead to the decline of an individual’s vision. 

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes and the leading cause of blindness in adults. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Initially, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems, but as it progresses, it can lead to severe vision loss and even blindness if left untreated.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic Macular Edema, or DME, is a specific form of diabetic retinopathy where fluid leaks into the macula, the central part of the retina that is in charge of sharp, straight-ahead vision. This accumulation of fluid causes the macula to swell, leading to blurred or distorted vision. DME can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy and is a major cause of vision loss or deterioration in people living with diabetes.

Cataracts and Glaucoma

While cataracts and glaucoma are common eye conditions in general, individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing these conditions and experiencing more severe symptoms. Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurred vision, while glaucoma is characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often resulting in peripheral vision loss. However, these conditions can be monitored and managed with glaucoma and cataract treatment at Florida Eye Center.

Symptoms of Myopia

Regular eye exams are extremely important for diabetic patients to monitor their eye health and have their Tampa eye specialist at Florida Eye Center detect any complications early. The American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals with diabetes attend their annual comprehensive eye exam, even if they have no symptoms of eye problems. 

Schedule Your Annual Eye Exam at Florida Eye Center Today

The link between diabetes and eye health is undeniable, with diabetic eye disease posing a significant threat to vision if left unchecked. Early detection and timely intervention are critical in managing diabetic eye diseases and preventing vision loss. 

​​To schedule a consultation with a cataract treatment specialist in Tampa at the Florida Eye Center, please request an appointment today.

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