Diabetes can affect your eyes and vision for many reasons, primarily due to consistently high blood sugar. National Eye Institute has stated that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults 20 to 74 years old. Hattiesburg Clinic is dedicated to helping people with diabetes protect their eyesight and reduce the risk of blindness. Our board-certified optometrists and ophthalmologists specialize in understanding and treating diabetic eye diseases.
Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing severe eye problems, including:
When the body has high blood sugar levels, it can damage blood vessels in the retina (the nerve at the back of the eye that senses light and sends images to the brain). This damage is known as diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic Macular Edema (MCE) is a complication where fluid accumulates in the macula, the area of the eye responsible for the clearest vision, and causes swelling. This swelling results in distorted or blurred vision.
Cataracts (clouding of the lens) can occur at a younger age for patients with diabetes, especially if their glucose levels are extremely high. Elevated blood sugar over time can also cause cataract progression.
Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision changes. High blood sugar can contribute to glaucoma and even lead to blindness if not treated early.
Diabetes affects almost every organ in your body, including your eyes. Because it is so common for patients with diabetes to experience eye damage, it is important to have regular eye exams to easily detect any worsening conditions.
People who have had diabetes for many years are especially at risk for developing serious eye conditions related to diabetes, but even newly diagnosed patients can have evidence of diabetic eye issues.
Diabetic eye exams are specialized eye exams for patients with diabetes. Hattiesburg Clinic provides comprehensive eye exams to detect diabetic eye diseases as early as possible. Our team of diabetic eye care experts will help form a personalized plan to ensure your sight remains healthy. If you have diabetes, regular visits to your eye doctor can help keep your eyesight healthy and note any changes in your vision.
Hattiesburg Clinic is your trusted partner in diabetic eye care. We provide compassionate, in-depth care to catch diabetic eye conditions early and protect your vision.