If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, the condition can cause diabetic retinopathy or damage to the blood vessels in the eyes. To protect your vision, it’s important to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist for regular eye exams to detect deterioration early. Below are several reasons why a diabetic eye exam is critical to maintaining your health.

4 Reasons to See Your Optometrist for Regular Diabetic Eye Exams

1. Ensure Early Detection

An annual diabetic eye exam can detect problems early while they’re still treatable. During the exam, the optometrist will check for glaucoma, cataracts, and other common problems that are among those with diabetes. If you’re experiencing blurred vision, pain, or other symptoms, it’s important to report it to your doctor immediately.

2. Avoid Damage

In some cases, with diabetic retinopathy, there aren’t any symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage, resulting in vision loss. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends having your first eye exam within five years of being diagnosed with diabetes. This will ensure a medical professional can monitor your vision and manage treatment, as needed.

3. Pinpoint Warning Signs of Other Problems

By examining your eyes, the eye doctor can view your blood vessels. If changes in the eyes are discovered, it can mean that additional health problems are also occurring throughout the body.

4. Control Other Medical Conditions

If you have other medical conditions in addition to diabetes, such as heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, it can increase the risk of developing retinopathy. It’s even more critical to speak with an optometrist or ophthalmologist and get your annual diabetic eye exam if you have additional health concerns.

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes and need corrective contact lenses or eyeglasses visit the optometrists at Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates in Aiea, HI. Their professional and cordial team of experienced eye doctors will detect problems early and provide the comprehensive vision services you require for the best possible quality of life. To schedule an appointment call (808) 487-5500 or visit the website for more information.