How to Observe National Diabetes Awareness Month? Schedule an Eye Exam.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month — a good time to remind patients with diabetes to schedule annual eye exams. Early detection of eye problems can save the vision of people with diabetes.

Patients with diabetes are more likely to develop vision problems such as cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. According to the National Eye Institute, about 28.5 percent of U.S. adults age 40 and older with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy, which causes the retinal blood vessels to swell and leak fluid. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in American adults.

Comprehensive yearly eye exams are the only way to ensure early detection of eye disease associated with diabetes. (In fact, it’s during an eye exam that many patients learn they have diabetes in the first place.)

Often, there are no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. Patients experience no pain, and vision may not change until the disease becomes severe. Even in more advanced cases, the disease may progress without symptoms. This symptomless progression is why regular eye exams for patients with diabetes are so important. Early detection and treatment may help preserve vision.

Here’s what to expect: Diabetic patients will have their pupils dilated and/or they will undergo quick, painless retinal imaging to produce an optomap — an ultra-wide view of the retina — so I can check for swelling or damage to the retinal tissue. (In fact, it’s during an eye exam that many patients learn they have diabetes in the first place.) As part of the comprehensive annual exam for diabetic patients, I also perform tests for glaucoma and cataracts in addition to standard visual acuity testing.

Learn more about the ABCs of diabetes management. If you’re living with diabetes, call (903) 984-3101 to start your regularly scheduled appointments.

Dr. Jeff Pinkerton
I care for you.