If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), an optometrist may recommend that you see them regularly for exams. Your visits can help an optometrist protect your eyes from diabetic eye disorders, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinopathy. Here are essential reasons to see an eye specialist today.

The Effects of Diabetes on Your Vision

Diabetes affects over one million men, women, and children living in America today. Many of these individuals suffer from diabetes-related health issues that complicate their health, including their vision. An eye doctor is one of the leading specialists who can protect your vision from diabetes.

High blood sugar doesn't just affect your nerves, blood vessels, and kidneys. Diabetes can also damage the retinas and lenses in your eyes. Retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular edema are just four conditions and diseases known to develop in response to high blood sugar. Almost all of these conditions can make you lose your eyesight. However, regular visits to an eye doctor can prevent the full or partial loss of vision.

The Benefits of Regular Eye Tests and Visits

If you think that only a regular doctor can monitor and keep track of your blood sugar, you may be wrong. An optometrist or another eye doctor can also keep track of your blood sugar. An eye doctor can do so by checking the tissues inside your eyes for weakness, tears, and other extensive damages. In most cases, an optometrist can pick up changes in your diabetes that a traditional doctor might miss. 

You'll undergo several eye exams when you visit an eye doctor. Your tests generally include the traditional Snellen eye exam, retinal exam, and optic nerve exam. If you fail any of these tests, an eye doctor can make adjustments in your treatments. For example, if your retinal exam reveals small problems in your macula or retina, an optometrist can refer you to an ophthalmologist or surgeon for further testing and possible treatment. 

It's critical that you tell an eye doctor about any small or significant changes in your high blood sugar. Even the smallest change in your condition can affect your vision over time. If an eye doctor needs to do so, they can make changes in your eye care plan and treatments. 

Don't wait until your high blood sugar causes severe problems with your eyes or vision. Schedule an eye exam and consultation with an optometry office like Northwest Ophthalmology.