November is American Diabetes Month. A time to raise awareness about the impact of diabetes and the importance of prevention, early detection, and management. As of 2023, about 16% of U.S. adults have diabetes (diagnosed or undiagnosed), and nearly half of adults have prediabetes or are at high risk for developing diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes has increased significantly over the past two decades. Roughly 28% of adults with diabetes are undiagnosed, meaning millions are unaware they have the condition. This is a great reminder of the importance of annual physicals. Regular checkups help detect health issues like diabetes early, often before symptoms appear.
The Importance of Diabetic Eye Exams
Living with diabetes means taking extra steps to protect your health—and your vision is one of the most important parts of that care. Diabetes can quietly damage the eyes long before you notice changes in your sight. That’s why annual diabetic eye exams are a vital part of staying healthy and independent.
Why Eye Health Matters in Diabetes
Diabetes can affect the tiny blood vessels in the back of the eye, leading to conditions such as:
- Diabetic retinopathy – damage to blood vessels in the retina that can cause vision loss if untreated
- Diabetic macular edema – swelling in the central part of the retina that blurs vision
- Cataracts and glaucoma – which develop earlier and more often in people with diabetes
Because these can progress silently, many people do not realize their eyes are at risk until the disease is advanced.
What an Annual Exam Includes
During a diabetic eye exam, your optometrist will:
- Dilate your pupils to carefully examine the retina
- Look for early signs of diabetic retinopathy or swelling
- Check eye pressure and screen for glaucoma
- Provide guidance on protecting and preserving your vision
This exam is quick, painless and can make all the difference in detecting changes early—when treatment is most effective.
The Benefits of Early Detection
Catching eye disease early through regular exams can:
- Prevent or delay vision loss
- Allow timely treatment with medications, laser therapy or surgery if needed
- Give peace of mind by confirming your eyes are healthy
- Help you maintain independence, safety and quality of life
Protecting Your Sight Year After Year
Even if your vision seems fine, don’t skip your yearly exam. Pairing good diabetes management—like controlling blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol—with annual eye exams is the best way to safeguard your sight for the future.
Don't risk missing out on what matters most, schedule your diabetic eye exam today.