Many people diagnosed with diabetes are well aware of the effects it has on the physical body but not many know about the overlap between diabetes and eye health. Diabetes increases the risk of serious eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma, making routine eye care essential.
At Clarity Optometry in Hamilton, we provide comprehensive diabetic eye care to help patients maintain healthy vision and prevent complications.
How Diabetes Affects Eye Health
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision-threatening complications. Some of the most common diabetes-related eye conditions include:
- Diabetic Retinopathy: High blood sugar can weaken blood vessels in the retina, leading to leaks, swelling, and potential vision loss.
- Cataracts: People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at an earlier age, causing blurry vision.
- Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to permanent vision loss if untreated.
Early detection is key to preventing vision loss, which is why regular comprehensive eye exams are essential.
Essential Eye Care Tips for Diabetic Patients
- Maintain Blood Sugar Levels – Fluctuating blood sugar levels can weaken the eye’s blood vessels, leading to complications. Keeping blood sugar stable reduces the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
- Get Annual Comprehensive Eye Exams – A dilated eye exam can detect early signs of diabetes-related eye diseases before symptoms appear. At Clarity Optometry, we use advanced technology to monitor your eye health.
- Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol – High blood pressure and cholesterol can accelerate diabetic eye damage, increasing the risk of vision loss.
- Eat a Vision-Healthy Diet – Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and bluefin tuna, fruits like papayas, kiwis and oranges, and leafy greens like spinach and kale can help protect the retina and blood vessels in the eyes.
- Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays – Wearing sunglasses with UV protection helps reduce the risk of cataracts and retinal damage.
- Quit Smoking – Smoking increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy and other vision problems. Quitting can help preserve your eyesight.
Comprehensive Diabetic Eye Care at Clarity Optometry
At Clarity Optometry in Hamilton, we offer specialized diabetic eye care services, including:
- Diabetic Retinopathy Screenings – Early detection and monitoring of diabetes-related retinal changes.
- Personalized Treatment Plans – Tailored strategies to manage vision health and prevent complications.
- Coordination with Primary Care Providers – Comprehensive care to ensure your diabetes and eye health are managed together.
Protect Your Vision—Schedule a Diabetic Eye Exam Today
Diabetes can affect your eyesight, but early detection and proper care can help preserve vision.
Schedule a comprehensive diabetic eye exam at Clarity Optometry in Hamilton here to protect your sight for the future.
