Most people think of diabetes as a condition that affects blood sugar, but it often does much more than that, especially when it comes to your eyes. Diabetes can increase your risks of developing diabetic eye diseases.
Diabetic eye diseases are a leading cause of vision loss in adults. What makes this even more worrying is how quietly it can grow. Many people don’t notice anything wrong until their vision starts to fade.
At Eyes on Redondo Optometry, we see how important regular eye exams are in catching these changes early. Whether you have symptoms or not, watching your eye health is important for managing diabetes.
Understanding Diabetic Eye Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition where high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in your retina, the part of your eye that helps you see clearly. It is one of the leading causes of blindness among adults.
Common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Dark or empty areas in your vision
- Spots or floaters
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Vision loss
The tricky part? You might not notice any symptoms at all until the condition has progressed. That is why routine eye exams are so crucial if you have diabetes.
Risk Factors of Untreated Diabetic Retinopathy
Left unchecked, diabetic retinopathy can silently lead to irreversible damage. Here are some of the significant risks when diabetic eye changes go untreated:
Progressive Vision Loss
When the damaged blood vessels leak or scar, vision can fade or disappear over time.
Macular Edema
Swelling in the retina's center (the macula) can affect sharp, straight-ahead vision.
Retinal Detachment
Advanced stages can cause scar tissue that pulls the retina away from the back of the eye, leading to severe vision loss
Glaucoma
Increased pressure from abnormal blood vessel growth can damage the optic nerve, compounding vision problems
What to Expect During a Diabetic Eye Exam
At Eyes on Redondo Optometry, our diabetic eye exams are built to detect early signs before they threaten your vision. We can work with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist when we notice problems early. This helps us manage and monitor your eye health better. Early detection can mean the difference between preserving your sight and losing it.
We know medical exams can feel overwhelming, so we keep ours as comfortable and informative as possible.
During your visit, you can expect:
- A detailed conversation about your health and blood sugar history
- Vision testing to check clarity and prescription needs
- Dilated eye exam to view the retina thoroughly
- Retinal imaging to monitor blood vessels and spot changes
- A personalized care plan based on what we see
Our goal is to check your vision and support your overall health.
Protect Your Vision with a Diabetic Eye Exam in Redondo Beach
If you manage diabetes, you don’t have to wait for symptoms to take your vision by surprise. At our practice in Redondo Beach, we offer thorough, comfortable diabetic eye exams that give you peace of mind and help protect your long-term eye health.
Let’s stay ahead of the changes and keep your vision clear. Book your appointment with us—we are here to help every step of the way.