November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month—a critical reminder for everyone managing diabetes. High blood sugar levels are a silent threat to your vision, often causing damage long before you notice any symptoms. This is why early detection is the most powerful defense against vision loss.
The Eye Threat: Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. It happens when high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina. In its advanced stage, it can lead to Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), causing blurred central vision.
Protect Your Sight: Your 3 Priorities
1. Get a Comprehensive, Dilated Eye Exam—Every Year: This is non-negotiable. Only a dilated exam allows your eye doctor to see early, symptom-free damage on your retina. Do not wait for blurriness.
2. Manage Your A1C, Blood Pressure, and Cholesterol: Keeping these factors in their target range is the best way to slow or prevent eye damage.
3. Report Immediate Changes: If you notice new floaters, flashes of light, or sudden blurry vision, contact us right away.
Protect your vision proactively.
