Keeping your eyes healthy during Diabetic Eye Disease Month

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Month and is a great time to reflect on your vision and eye health as a patient with diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that can cause a host of problems for patients who struggle with maintaining their blood sugar levels. There are many eye diseases that are often seen in diabetic patients, which is why it is vital that you visit your eye doctor regularly for examinations and to monitor for changes that may indicate a more serious issue.

Eye diseases that are common in diabetic patients

During Diabetic Eye Disease Month, it is vital that you pay close attention to changes in your eyes and vision that may indicate a problem. Below are some of the more common eye diseases seen in our patients who struggle with diabetes:

• Diabetic retinopathy. Our team describes diabetic retinopathy as a disease that is actually the number one leading cause of blindness in adults. It occurs when uncontrolled diabetes damages the retina’s blood vessels. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy will usually affect both eyes and not just one.
• Diabetic macular edema. Macular edema is a medical condition in which fluid leaks into the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. Macular edema may lead to vision loss and blindness.
• Cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens. People who have been diagnosed with diabetes are more likely to notice the development of cataracts sooner than those without diabetes.
• Glaucoma. Glaucoma is a specific group of eye conditions that can impact and damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries information from your eyes to your brain. Glaucoma will lead to vision loss and blindness over time.

How do I learn more about common eye diseases that can impact me if I have diabetes?

Diabetic Eye Disease Month is a great time to make sure you are taking care of your eyes if you have diabetes. Be sure to schedule an appointment with the eye doctor if you have any concerns about your vision or changes in your eyesight. If you reside in the areas of Clarkston and Pontiac, MI, and want to speak to our team at Wilkinson Eye Center to learn more, call 248-334-4931. We are open to new and current patients in our practice.