How Diabetes Can Affect Your Vision

Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults age 20 to 74? Regular eye care exams are crucial to diagnose painful conditions and prevent loss of sight. Wellington Eye Care & Diabetes Eye Center of Northern Colorado offers preventative care and comprehensive treatment plans for patients with vision loss and other diabetic related conditions in Wellington, CO.

Eye Health Concerns for People with Diabetes

Whether you have Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes, it is important to keep your blood sugar level within a normal range. High blood sugar wreaks havoc on your eyes and can cause blurred vision, cataracts, glaucoma, retinopathy, and blindness.

While some conditions can be corrected with prompt care, ignoring the problem for too long can lead to irreversible damage to the lens, retina, and blood vessels of your eyes.

Symptoms: When to See Your Eye Doctor

Everyone should visit their eye doctor at least once per year. People with diabetes may need more frequent check-ups to monitor their eye health. Our physicians will prescribe a customized plan just for you. We will work with you to make sure you understand your options and are comfortable with your care.

If you were recently diagnosed with diabetes, or are concerned about changes in your vision, talk to your eye doctor right away. Symptoms that you should never ignore include:

Sudden or worsening blurred vision

Flashes of light

Seeing dots, lines, or dark spots

Any pressure or pain

Vision loss

Blurred vision

Impaired color vision

What Will Happen at My Appointment?

At your appointment, your optometrist will likely perform a dilation test. This painless procedure uses eye drops that widen your pupils so your doctor can check for signs of retinopathy or other damage inside your eyes.

If you haven’t had one recently, you will also need an A1c test to measure your blood sugar level. This is a common blood test you should receive at least once per year or more often if you use insulin.

Why Choose Wellington Eye Care?

At Wellington Eye Care & Diabetes Eye Center of Northern Colorado, we have the knowledge and tools to treat your entire family. We offer eye exams, corrective lenses, glaucoma testing, pre- and post-operative eye surgery care, and 24-hour emergency services to the Wellington, Colorado community. We specialize in treating patients with diabetes related eye conditions and vision loss. Call us today to experience the difference that our one-on-one approach to care can make for you.