The effects of diabetes can go far beyond blood sugar levels—your eyes are especially vulnerable. Diabetic eye diseases like retinopathy and macular edema can develop with no warning signs and cause permanent vision loss if not caught early. Fortunately, regular eye exams can help prevent these outcomes, especially when managed by a trusted local optometrist.
Let’s explore why October’s Diabetes Awareness Month is the perfect time to focus on your eye health—and how 20/20 iCare Longview is here to support every step of your vision care journey.
How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
Diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the part of your eye responsible for clear vision. Over time, high blood sugar can lead to several sight-threatening conditions, including:
- Diabetic retinopathy: A progressive disease that affects the retina and is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults.
- Diabetic macular edema (DME): Swelling in the macula (the center of the retina) that distorts vision.
- Cataracts: People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age.
- Glaucoma: Diabetes doubles the risk of developing glaucoma, a condition that causes optic nerve damage.
What’s most concerning is that these conditions can develop silently. By the time symptoms like blurry vision or floaters appear, damage may already be significant. That’s why routine, proactive care is critical.
What Is a Diabetic Eye Exam?
A diabetic eye exam is more than your standard vision test. It’s a comprehensive evaluation that focuses specifically on how diabetes may be affecting your eyes—before symptoms show up.
What to Expect During the Exam
- Dilation of your pupils to allow a clear view of the retina.
- Retinal imaging or other advanced technology to detect subtle changes in blood vessels.
- Assessment of intraocular pressure to screen for glaucoma.
- Close monitoring of any existing eye changes to track progression over time.
Even if your vision seems perfectly fine, annual diabetic eye exams can help detect early signs of disease and prevent severe complications. The earlier these changes are spotted, the better the chances of protecting your vision.
Who Should Have a Diabetic Eye Exam?
If you have diabetes, eye exams should be part of your yearly healthcare plan. Here’s who should be getting regular screenings:
- Anyone diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Adults with prediabetes (they may not have symptoms, but elevated risk still exists)
- Seniors and long-time diabetics, as the risk increases with age and duration
- Patients with a history of high blood pressure or kidney disease, which may worsen eye damage
Your primary care physician may manage your overall diabetes care—but your eyes need the expert attention of an eye doctor who understands the unique challenges diabetes presents.
Diabetic Eye Exams in Longview, TX
At 20/20 iCare Longview, we offer comprehensive diabetic eye exams using the latest diagnostic technology to detect even the earliest signs of eye disease. Our experienced and compassionate team understands how diabetes affects vision and is here to help you stay ahead of complications.
Whether it’s your first diabetic eye exam or you’re due for your annual screening, we make the process simple, stress-free, and tailored to your needs. Our clinic is conveniently located in Longview, Texas, making it easy to access the care you need—without traveling far.
Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam in Longview
Diabetes doesn’t have to mean vision loss—but it does mean being proactive. At 20/20 iCare Longview, we’re committed to helping you maintain healthy eyes through every stage of your diabetes journey.
From advanced imaging to personalized care, our diabetic eye exams are designed to give you peace of mind and protect your sight. Don’t wait until symptoms appear—book your diabetic eye exam today by calling us or scheduling online.
Contact 20/20 iCare Longview to book your vision appointment or visit us in Longview.
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