At 20/20 Eye Physicians of Indiana, our team of experienced eye doctors is dedicated to providing comprehensive diabetic eye care to help you maintain clear vision and protect the long-term health of your eyes.

What is Diabetic Eye Care?

Diabetic eye care is a specialized approach to looking after the eyes of people with diabetes. For those with diabetes, it is important to have regular eye exams to ensure you are not at risk for a variety of eye conditions that can be caused by uncontrolled blood sugar.

These include changes to the back of the eye, clouding of the eye’s lens, and increased pressure within the eye. The best way to ensure that your vision is not affected by diabetes is to have regular diabetic eye exams.

What is a Diabetic Eye Exam?

A diabetic eye exam is a comprehensive evaluation of your eyes that goes beyond a standard eye check-up. This special exam is designed to detect early signs of diabetes-related eye problems, even before you might notice any symptoms.

Catching these issues early is crucial because many diabetic eye conditions can be managed effectively if found in their initial stages.

During a diabetic eye exam at 20/20 Eye Physicians of Indiana, your eye doctor will perform a variety of tests to ensure your eyes are healthy and your vision is clear Your eye doctor will carefully analyze the results of these tests to assess your overall eye health and detect any signs of diabetes-related eye problems.

Then, they’ll discuss their findings with you and develop a personalized care plan if needed.

How Does Blood Sugar Impact the Eyes?

Your blood sugar levels and your eye health are closely connected. When your blood sugar stays high for a long time, it can cause changes in your eyes that might affect your vision.

Here’s how high blood sugar can impact your eyes:

It can damage the tiny blood vessels in the back of your eye, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy
It can make the lens in your eye swell, causing your vision to change.
It might affect the nerves that control your eye movement, which could cause problems with focusing or seeing double
It increases your risk of developing glaucoma, which can damage the optic nerve that connects your eye to your brain
It can slow down how quickly your body heals, which might increase your risk of eye infections

These possibilities are why managing your blood sugar levels through proper diet, exercise, and medication as prescribed by your doctor is so important. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment of any diabetes-related eye issues.

How Do I Know If I Need a Diabetic Eye Exam?

If you have diabetes, regular eye exams should be essential to your overall health care routine. Many endocrinologists, primary care physicians, and eye doctors will recommend that those with diabetes have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, even if they’re not experiencing any vision problems.

However, you should schedule a diabetic eye exam sooner if you notice any of the following symptoms:

Blurry or fluctuating vision
Dark or empty areas in your vision
Difficulty perceiving colors
Poor night vision
Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription

Remember, many diabetic eye problems don’t have noticeable symptoms in their early stages, which is why regular exams are crucial. They allow your eye doctor to detect and address issues before they affect your vision.

Do you need to have a diabetic eye exam? Schedule an appointment at 20/20 Eye Physicians of Indiana in Indianapolis, IN, today!

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