Why is an eye exam important for Diabetics?

An eye exam is particularly important for people with diabetes because diabetes can lead to several serious eye conditions that can affect vision and potentially lead to permanent vision loss. Here are some reasons why eye exams are important for diabetics:

• Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss if not treated.
• Macular Edema: Swelling in the macula, the central part of the retina, can occur due to diabetes, leading to blurred vision.
• Cataracts: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts, which cause clouding of the eye's lens and can impair vision.
• Glaucoma: Diabetes increases the risk of glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss.
• Retinal Detachment: Diabetes can cause abnormal blood vessels to grow on the retina, which can lead to retinal detachment, a serious condition that can cause permanent vision loss.
• Monitoring Overall Eye Health: Regular eye exams help monitor the overall health of the eyes and detect any changes early, allowing for timely treatment.

We recommend that people with diabetes have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. For those with diabetic retinopathy or other eye complications, more frequent exams may be necessary.