Routine eye exams and other proactive measures can lower your risk for diabetes-related eye disease.
Over 38 million Americans live with diabetes, and nearly 98 million live with prediabetes. If left untreated or managed poorly, diabetes can have devastating complications, including eye disease that can lead to blindness. Diabetes is the leading cause of vision loss in people 18–64 years old and about 1 in 3 people with diabetes older than age 40 already have some signs of diabetes-related retinopathy. The most common diabetes-related eye diseases are diabetes-related retinopathy, diabetes-related macular edema, cataracts, glaucoma, and vision loss.
Luckily, there’s good news: Preventing or delaying eye disease and vision loss caused by diabetes is possible through early detection, timely treatment, and blood glucose management.
Getting an annual dilated eye exam is the first step you can take to protect your eyes. A dilated comprehensive eye exam is one where an optometrist or ophthalmologist dilates your eyes and checks for signs of eye disease, such as damaged blood vessels. Often, people with early stages of eye disease don’t experience or notice symptoms — underscoring the importance of the annual dilated comprehensive eye exam and early detection. The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) recommends that adults with type 2 diabetes have their first dilated comprehensive eye exam when they are diagnosed, and people with type 1 diabetes should have their first dilated comprehensive eye exam within five years of diagnosis.
Here are other ways to keep your eyes healthy to lower your risk for diabetes-related eye disease:
- Ask questions during your visit with your eye doctor. Has anything about my eyes changed since my last visit? Should I look out for anything specific when it comes to problems with my eyes and overall health? Should I be doing anything differently to care for my eyes? These are all great questions to ask during your visit. Also, remember to schedule your next eye exam at the end of your appointment.
- Understand the different types of eye care professionals. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage eye-related disorders. Ophthalmologists specialize in medical and surgical eye care for all eye diseases. If you are diagnosed with a diabetes-related complication, they may refer you to a retina specialist for further evaluation and treatment. Opticians assist in fitting eyeglasses and contacts but cannot diagnose or treat eye disease.
- Know your risk for diabetes-related eye disease. The Diabetes-Related Retinopathy Risk Test can help you understand your risk. Knowing your risk helps you take early action to prevent vision loss or blindness. Take the test today at diabetes.org/retinopathy-risk-test.
- Expand your knowledge with ADA resources. Focus on Diabetes®, an ADA initiative that brings awareness to diabetes and eye health, provides easy steps and valuable information to prevent diabetes-related eye disease and maximize your eye health. Explore resources at diabetes.org/focus-on-diabetes.
Learn more about eye disease and how routine dilated comprehensive eye exams can provide early detection and prevent or delay vision loss at diabetes.org/diabetes/eye-health.
