5 Invaluable Benefits of Routine Diabetic Eye Care Visits

Nearly 40 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and managing this chronic disease is complex. Managing diabetes requires ongoing attention to blood sugar, blood pressure, and your eye health.

One way to stay healthy is to have regular eye exams. Diabetes can lead to complications, including vision loss, so the American Diabetes Association recommends an annual eye exam.

In recognition of National Diabetes Month in November, the expert team at Focus Refined Eye Care in The Heights and Montrose sections of Houston, Texas, offers diabetic eye care to help protect your eye health and vision. 

Understanding the diabetic impact on eye health 

There are two types of diabetes: 

• Type 1 diabetes means the body doesn’t produce insulin. 
• Type 2 occurs when the body can’t manage its blood sugar (insulin.)

People can have Type 2 diabetes for years without realizing it because the symptoms creep up. Worse, there is no cure for Type 2 diabetes, and there are many severe complications if left undiagnosed. 

Five benefits of routine diabetic eye care to keep your eyes healthy 

Your eye health is one of those complications that can deteriorate if left unchecked, which is why routine eye care is so important. 

1. Prevent or slow diabetic eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy

Research published in JAMA Ophthalmology reports that 26.43% of people with diabetes in the U.S. have diabetic retinopathy, and it’s the leading cause of adult blindness because fluctuating blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina. These numbers have increased substantially from 2004 research despite learning more about diabetes. 

1. Prevent vision loss 

If you have diabetes, you know how important it is to control your blood sugar. Routine eye exams are another tool in your diabetic care. Dr. Bimal Patel runs diagnostic exams and can suggest lifestyle changes or ways to improve your eyesight for the long term. 

1. Protect your eye health 

Routine eye exams can help diagnose eye health and visual acuity. They help keep your vision sharp with the appropriate corrective lens prescription (if needed) and check your overall eye health. We screen for cataracts and glaucoma. 

2. Educate yourself about diabetes and your eyesight 

Diabetes affects your entire body, and the more you know about the ways it affects you, the more you can practice preventive maintenance. 

3. Build a relationship with your medical team 

It’s always a good idea to know your medical team. Routine eye exams allow you to discuss concerns or new symptoms calmly, and we can make appropriate suggestions as needed. 

Expert advice

If you or a loved one is one of the nearly 40 million people with diabetes in the U.S., don’t forget about your eye exams. Routine eye exams can play a vital role in your eye health and preventing vision loss. 

Focus Refined Eye Care is located in Houston, Texas's Heights and Montrose neighborhoods. If you have concerns about your eye health or vision, you can schedule an appointment here.