It's well known that diabetes can have a very serious affect on the overall health of your entire body. Less well known, however, is the way in which it can have serious consequences for your eyes. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a group of vision problems known as diabetic eye disease. Regular visits to a diabetic eye doctor are essential for early detection, treatment, and prevention of these complications.
Our Avondale eye care team at Estrella Mountain Eye Care discusses further below.
Common Diabetic Eye Conditions
People with diabetes are at a higher risk for several eye conditions, including:
Diabetic Retinopathy – The most common diabetic eye disease, this condition damages the blood vessels in the retina. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) – Swelling in the macula caused by leaking blood vessels, which can blur central vision.
Glaucoma – Diabetes increases the risk of glaucoma, which puts pressure on the optic nerve and may result in vision loss.
Cataracts – Diabetic patients tend to develop cataracts at a younger age and more quickly than those without diabetes.
All of these conditions can progress without noticeable symptoms at first, which is why regular eye exams with a qualified Avondale optometrist are so important.
Why See a Diabetic Eye Doctor?
A diabetic eye doctor is an optometrist or ophthalmologist with experience in identifying and managing vision problems related to diabetes. These specialists use advanced diagnostic tools to detect changes in your eyes long before symptoms appear. Early detection is the key to preventing or slowing the progression of diabetic eye diseases.
During a diabetic eye exam, your eye doctor will:
- Dilate your pupils to examine the retina
- Use imaging technology to check for swelling, bleeding, or changes in blood vessels
- Monitor intraocular pressure to screen for glaucoma
- Check for signs of cataracts or macular edema
This comprehensive approach allows your diabetic eye doctor to track any changes over time and recommend treatment plans tailored to your individual needs.
How Our Eye Care Team Can Help Protect Your Vision
At Estrella Mountain Eye Care, we work closely with patients to manage the effects of diabetes on eye health. Our experienced team offers diabetic eye exams, personalized monitoring plans, and coordination with your primary care provider or endocrinologist. If we detect signs of diabetic eye disease, we can refer you to a specialist for further care or help you explore treatment options such as laser therapy, injections, or lifestyle changes to support long-term vision health.
Take Control of Your Eye Health Today
If you have diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms to appear—early intervention is your best defense against vision loss. Schedule an appointment with our trusted diabetic eye doctors in Avondale to ensure your eyes are protected now and in the future. Regular eye exams are a simple but powerful step in safeguarding your sight.
