Why People With Diabetes Need an Annual Retinal Eye Exam

Living with diabetes means staying proactive about your health - including your eyes. High blood sugar levels can silently damage delicate structures inside the eye, leading to vision loss if not caught and treated early. Annual Retinal diabetic eye exams are essential for anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
 

How Diabetes Affects Your Vision

Diabetes can impact the blood vessels throughout the body, and the eyes are especially vulnerable. Over time, elevated blood sugar can damage the retina, the part of your eye responsible for receiving and processing light. Without proper monitoring and management, this damage can become irreversible.

Some of the most common diabetes-related eye conditions include:

• Diabetic Retinopathy: The most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes. Retinopathy occurs when weakened retinal blood vessels leak fluid or blood, affecting vision. In advanced stages, new abnormal vessels may form, increasing the risk of severe vision impairment or blindness.

• Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Swelling in the macula - the part of your retina responsible for sharp, central vision. DME can make it difficult to read, drive, or see facial details.

• Cataracts: People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts earlier in life, leading to blurry or cloudy vision.

• Glaucoma: Increased pressure inside the eye can damage the optic nerve. Diabetes doubles the risk of glaucoma, especially if retinopathy is present.
 

Why Annual Retinal Eye Exams Are Essential

A retinal eye exam gives your eye doctor a more complete view of the internal structures of your eye. The Doctor will either use dilation drops which gently widens the pupils, dilation allows for a clear look at the retina, macula, optic nerve, and blood vessels. RCP Eyecare also uses advance technology, Optomap Retinal Imaging, which does not require dilation but takes a widefield view of the retina where the Doctor can review these same structures with the patient.

Most importantly, diabetic-related eye diseases often show no obvious symptoms in their early stages. You may not notice any vision changes until significant damage has already occurred. With annual exams, your doctor can identify problems early - when treatment is most effective and vision can often be preserved.
 

Early Detection Protects Your Sight

Timely diagnosis and treatment can:

• Prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy

• Reduce the risk of permanent vision loss

• Help monitor changes year-over-year

• Support better diabetes management overall

Your eyesight is too important to leave to chance. Staying consistent with your diabetic eye care can make a life-changing difference in your long-term vision health.
 

Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam Today

If you have diabetes, prioritizing your annual dilated eye exam is one of the best steps you can take to protect your sight. Even if your vision feels perfectly fine, hidden changes could already be occurring. Early detection allows for early action - and that means stronger protection for your eyes.

Contact RCP Eyecare to schedule your annual diabetic eye exam and stay ahead of eye disease before it impacts your vision. Contact any of our seven locations in San Antonio or Selma, Texas. Visit our website to book an appointment or call our office in Quarry Village (210) 988-6897, Northwoods (210) 545-3183, Shops at Westpointe (210) 866-7555, La Cantera (210) 641-2405, Bandera Pointe (726) 208-6454, Ingram Festival (210) 520-0335, or The Forum (210) 659-1479.