Diabetes is a common condition that can have serious ocular complications. Diabetes can affect any part of the eye and orbit, from the eyelids to the retina and optic nerve. To thoroughly evaluate your eyes for any changes related to diabetes, your optometrist will dilate them to assess for any signs of complications. After your evaluation, the doctor will send a report to your Primary Care Physician or Endocrinologist about your findings. Diabetic exams are done annually or more frequently if there are any ocular complications noted. If you are diabetic and you are noticing sudden vision changes, it is important to be evaluated right away, as some conditions may need urgent treatment.
Ocular complications associated with diabetes:
- Cataracts
- Retinopathy or bleeding in the back of the eye
- Glaucoma
- Fluctuations in vision and eyeglass prescription
The best way to minimize your risk of these issues arising is by keeping your blood sugar as stable as possible through regular exercise, dietary modifications, and taking any prescription medications prescribed to you by your primary care doctor or endocrinologist. Regular eye exams can help to identify if any of these problems are occurring at the earliest possible stage.
