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What is Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of vision-threatening conditions caused by high blood sugar levels damaging blood vessels in the retina.
The most common form, diabetic retinopathy, is the leading cause of new blindness in adults aged 20–74.
How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
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Microaneurysms & Leaks: High glucose weakens capillaries, causing fluid leakage and retinal swelling (macular edema).
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Neovascularization: In advanced stages, fragile new vessels grow and bleed, increasing risk of retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage.
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Nerve Damage: Diabetic neuropathy can impair pupil response and ocular surface health.
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics face these risks—Type 1 over a longer duration, Type 2 often undiagnosed for years before detection.
Even "pre-diabetes" raises retinal risk.
Why Annual Eye Exams Matter
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Silent Progression: Early stages often have no symptoms.
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Timely Intervention: Treatments (laser, injections) are most effective before vision loss occurs.
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Coordinated Care: We send detailed reports to your endocrinologist or PCP so your overall diabetes management stays on track.
Guideline:
The American Diabetes Association recommends a dilated retinal exam within five years of a Type 1 diagnosis, and at diagnosis for Type 2—and every year thereafter.
Eye-Catching Facts
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Over 7.7 million Americans have diabetic retinopathy right now.¹
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1 in 3 people with diabetes show early signs of retinopathy.¹
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Blindness from diabetic retinopathy can be reduced by up to 95% with prompt detection and treatment.²
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Nearly half of Type 2 diabetics have some form of eye damage at diagnosis.³
(Sources: (¹) CDC, 2023; (²) American Academy of Ophthalmology; (³) Diabetes Care Journal)
Risks of Skipping Your Annual Exam
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Missed Early Warning Signs: You might not notice subtle vision changes until irreversible damage occurs.
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Greater Treatment Burden: Advanced disease often requires more invasive, repeated treatments.
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Higher Vision-Loss Risk: Late detection triples your chance of legal blindness and retinal complications.
Our Comprehensive Exam Process
1. Book Your Dilated Exam
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We use wide-field retinal photography, OCT imaging, and a thorough slit-lamp evaluation.
2. Review & Report
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Within 48 hours, we send a detailed, jargon-free report to you and your primary/specialty care team.
3. Tailored Follow-Up Plan
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Whether it’s routine monitoring, laser therapy, or referral to a retinal specialist, we coordinate next steps that fit your needs.