Diabetes is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults. Yet many people living with diabetes don’t realize how critical regular eye exams are until they notice changes in their vision. At Eye Care Professionals in Lantana, FL, our expert optometrists provide thorough diabetic eye care to help protect your sight before complications arise.
Serving the communities of Palm Beach County, including Lantana, Boynton Beach, and West Palm Beach, our team is here to detect problems early and manage long-term vision health for individuals with diabetes.
What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye conditions that can affect people with diabetes. Elevated blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, optic nerve, and other parts of the eye, leading to serious and sometimes irreversible vision problems.
Here are the most common conditions associated with diabetes:
1. Diabetic Retinopathy
This is the most common diabetic eye condition. It occurs when damaged blood vessels in the retina begin to leak or grow abnormally. Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss or blindness.
2. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
DME is a complication of diabetic retinopathy and involves swelling in the macula—the part of your retina responsible for sharp, central vision.
3. Glaucoma
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, a condition where increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve.
4. Cataracts
Diabetes can cause cataracts to develop at a younger age, clouding the eye’s natural lens and affecting clarity.
🔗 Learn more about Comprehensive Eye Exams and Retina Health at Eye Care Professionals.
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Vision?
Fluctuating blood sugar levels can cause temporary blurry vision by altering the shape and flexibility of your eye's lens. Over time, consistently high blood glucose can cause permanent damage to the blood vessels in the retina.
People with diabetes may experience:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Double vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sudden vision loss (in severe cases)
These symptoms may be early warning signs of deeper issues. Regular monitoring through eye exams can help catch problems before they progress.
What Are the Early Warning Signs of Diabetic Eye Disease?
Many people with diabetic eye disease don’t notice any symptoms until the condition has progressed. However, there are some early warning signs to watch for:
- Floaters (small spots or strings in your vision)
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Dark or empty areas in your vision
- Sudden changes in clarity
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to schedule a diabetic eye exam immediately. Early intervention can slow or even prevent further vision loss.
🔗 Visit our page on Diabetic Eye Exams for more details on what to expect and how we screen for diabetic eye disease.
How Often Should Someone with Diabetes Get an Eye Exam?
The American Diabetes Association recommends that:
- Adults with type 1 diabetes have a comprehensive eye exam within 5 years of diagnosis
- Adults with type 2 diabetes have a comprehensive exam at the time of diagnosis
- After the first exam, all patients with diabetes should have annual eye exams—or more frequently if diabetic retinopathy is detected
At Eye Care Professionals in Lantana, FL, our optometrists create personalized eye care schedules based on your health history and vision needs.
Can Diabetic Eye Disease Be Prevented or Treated?
While diabetic eye disease cannot always be prevented, the progression can be delayed or minimized through:
- Tight blood sugar control
- Healthy lifestyle choices
- Routine eye exams with a trusted optometrist
- Early treatment when needed
Eye Care Professionals uses state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging such as OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and retinal photography to detect early signs of disease. When necessary, we work closely with retinal specialists to co-manage care and preserve vision.
🔗 Explore our diagnostic tools and services on the Comprehensive Eye Exams page.
Where Can I Book a Diabetic Eye Exam in Palm Beach County?
Eye Care Professionals is conveniently located in Lantana, FL, serving patients throughout Palm Beach County. Our compassionate team is experienced in diagnosing and managing diabetic eye conditions with precision and care.
📍 Address:
Eye Care Professionals
1280 W Lantana Rd, Lantana, FL 33462
Call: 561-279-6768
Take Control of Your Vision—Starting Today
If you’re living with diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Regular eye exams are the best way to preserve your sight and catch potential problems early.
Book your diabetic eye exam today with the experienced team at Eye Care Professionals in Lantana, FL.
🔗 Ready to get started? Schedule your visit now or call us at 561-279-6768.