Why Diabetic Patients Shouldn’t Skip Their Yearly Eye Exam

Diabetes does more than just affect blood sugar. It can stealthily alter the small blood vessels in the back of your eyes, endangering vision without a clear signal if you don’t get regular eye exams. That’s why diabetic eye exams annually aren’t a “nice to have”—they’re essential to maintain your future vision. The aim is simple: catch issues early, fix them quickly, and continue to see clearly. 

What can diabetes do to your eyes?

High blood sugar damages the blood vessels of the retina and causes diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema—two eye conditions that can rob a person of vision if left untreated. Diabetic retinopathy is the principal reason for blindness among working-age Americans.

How prevalent is it? In 2021, a total of 9.6 million people in the U.S. were estimated to have diabetic retinopathy; approximately 1.84 million had vision-threatening disease. Those figures are increasing as diabetes increases. 

Who needs an exam—and when

Studies show people with diabetes must undergo at least one annual dilated exam. In type 2 diabetes, arrange the initial examination at diagnosis; in type 1, arrange one within five years after diagnosis, followed by annually. Your clinician can reduce the interval if earlier examinations reveal no retinopathy, but “at least annually” is the standard.

What occurs during the visit

A comprehensive diabetic eye examination includes:

• Dilated eye exam to see the retina and optic nerve
• Retinal photographs (fundus pictures, OCT) to record small changes you cannot sense
• Glaucoma and cataract evaluation, as diabetes increases the risk for both

Dilated examination is the gold standard; validated digital imaging is also effective for detection and monitoring. If you’re searching for an optometrist in Scottsdale, look for a practice that offers both dilation and modern imaging so nothing gets missed. 

Signs you shouldn’t wait for

Don’t wait until symptoms show up; eye disease usually arrives silently. Nevertheless, call immediately for sudden blurry vision, new floaters, dark spots, or a curtain over vision. Early treatment saves sight.

How an annual exam saves your vision

Annual diabetic eye exams allow your eye care professional to compare pictures year-to-year, detect microaneurysms or macular edema before they cause problems, and synchronize care with your diabetes care team. That cooperation, combined with daily habits such as consistent glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol control, reduces the risk of vision loss.

Practical tips to follow between visits

• Keep A1C, blood pressure, and lipid levels under control according to your medical team’s plan.
• Follow prescribed diabetes medicines regularly.
• Don’t smoke; it makes vascular damage worse.
• Call earlier than your yearly exam if you see an issue with your vision.

If you work or live close to Old Town or McCormick Ranch, Scottsdale Eyeology makes keeping up easy. Schedule your annual dilated exam, get answers, and go home with a plan in place for taking care of your vision. Make an appointment today, your future self will thank you.