Diabetes can quietly affect your vision long before symptoms appear. At Commerce Family Eyecare our eye doctors provide diabetic eye exams to catch early signs of damage and help preserve your eyesight for the long term.
How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
If you have diabetes, your eyes need special attention. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the retina, the part of your eye that helps you see clearly. This can lead to a range of eye conditions collectively known as diabetic eye disease. These include:
- Diabetic retinopathy: progressive damage to retinal vessels
- Macular edema: swelling in the central part of the retina
- Glaucoma: increased eye pressure leading to nerve damage
- Cataracts: which tend to develop earlier in diabetic patients
Because these conditions often develop without noticeable symptoms, early detection through regular eye exams is your best defense.
Symptoms to Watch For
While diabetic eye disease often starts with no noticeable symptoms, there are warning signs to be aware of. Contact your low vision eye doctor promptly if you notice the following vision problems:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters in your vision
- Blank or shadowy areas
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
The presence of any of these symptoms could indicate serious changes in your eye health that need immediate evaluation.
What to Expect During a Diabetic Eye Exam
At Commerce Family Eyecare, an eye exam with your optometrist includes much more than checking your glasses prescription. Our process is designed to monitor and protect your eye health with specialized tools and techniques:
- Pupil dilation to allow full examination of the retina
- Retinal imaging and photography to track changes over time
- OCT scans to detect swelling or fluid beneath the retina
- Communication with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist when needed
We tailor each exam to the unique needs of diabetic patients, using the latest technology to ensure nothing is missed.
How Often Should You Have a Diabetic Eye Exam?
According to the American Diabetes Association, adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. If signs of diabetic retinopathy or other issues are detected, more frequent visits may be recommended to monitor your condition and prevent progression.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to schedule your first eye exam promptly. For patients in Commerce, GA and the surrounding Northeast Georgia area, our office offers flexible appointment options and a knowledgeable staff who understands how to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye issues.
The Importance of Early Detection
The earlier we detect signs of diabetic eye disease, the better your chances of preserving healthy vision. In many cases, lifestyle changes and medical treatment can slow or even stop the progression of damage. Left undetected, however, diabetic retinopathy and related conditions can lead to permanent vision loss.
At Commerce Family Eyecare, we use advanced diagnostic technology to catch issues at the earliest possible stage, often before you even notice symptoms. This proactive approach gives you and your healthcare team the information needed to manage your eye health with confidence.
Supporting Your Whole Health
Vision care is just one part of managing diabetes. That’s why we work in coordination with your primary care provider or endocrinologist to ensure your eyes get the attention they deserve as part of your overall health care plan.
Our team at Commerce Family Eyecare understands that eye health doesn't exist in a vacuum. When you're living with health problems like diabetes, every piece of your health puzzle matters. Clear and coordinated care helps you feel supported at every step. We're not just here to check your eyes; we're here to partner with you and your healthcare team for better outcomes, better comfort, and a better quality of life.
Insurance and Diabetic Eye Exams
Most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover annual diabetic eye exams. If you’re unsure whether your exam is covered, our team can help you understand your benefits and make the most of your plan. We’re committed to making high-quality eye care accessible to patients throughout the Commerce area.
Book Your Diabetic Eye Exam in Commerce, GA
Diabetes may be a lifelong condition, but vision loss doesn’t have to be. With regular eye exams and expert care from your eye doctor in Commerce, you can protect your eyesight for the road ahead.
Call Commerce Family Eyecare today or request an eye care appointment online to schedule your diabetic eye exam. We’re here to help you keep seeing clearly, every step of the way.