November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, an essential period to focus on the risks diabetes can pose to vision and the importance of preventive eye care. At Newsom Eye, with locations in Tampa, Sebring, Carrollwood, South Tampa, Clearwater, Brooksville, and Gainesville, Florida, we are dedicated to educating our community about the importance of early detection and management to prevent vision loss due to diabetic eye diseases. Our team of eye care professionals is here to help you understand these conditions and their potential impact, and guide you on how to protect your vision.
Understanding Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic eye disease includes a group of eye conditions that can affect people with diabetes as a complication of the disease. These conditions can include:
- Diabetic Retinopathy: This involves damage to the blood vessels in the retina, potentially causing them to leak fluid or bleed. It’s the most common diabetic eye condition and a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): A consequence of diabetic retinopathy, DME involves swelling in the retina’s macula area.
- Glaucoma: The risk of developing glaucoma is nearly doubled in people with diabetes, which can lead to vision loss and blindness if not treated promptly.
- Cataracts: Individuals with diabetes are 2 to 5 times more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age, and these cataracts can progress more rapidly than those in individuals without diabetes.
Prevention and Early Detection
At Newsom Eye, we emphasize the critical importance of regular eye exams, particularly for those living with diabetes. Early detection through comprehensive dilated eye exams can greatly reduce the risk of severe vision impairment.
What to Expect During Your Exam
During a diabetic eye exam at any of our locations, our ophthalmologists conduct thorough assessments, including:
- Visual acuity testing to measure sight at various distances.
- Dilated eye exam where drops are placed in your eyes to widen the pupils, allowing a better view of the back of your eyes.
- Tonometry to measure the internal pressure of your eyes.
These tests can detect early signs of disease, often before any visual symptoms are apparent.
Managing Your Eye Health
Effective management of eye health goes beyond regular exams; it also involves controlling your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol. At Newsom Eye, we collaborate with your healthcare team to provide guidance on maintaining overall health and minimizing the risk of eye complications.
Join Us in Raising Awareness
This Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, we invite you to join Newsom Eye in raising awareness about the impact of diabetes on eye health. We encourage everyone, especially those with diabetes, to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection and treatment are your best defenses against vision loss.
Visit us at any of our Florida locations—Tampa, Sebring, Carrollwood, South Tampa, Clearwater, Brooksville, and Gainesville—or contact us to learn more about how we can assist you in maintaining your eye health and preventing diabetic eye diseases. Together, we can focus on a clearer, brighter future.
