Why Diabetic Eye Exams are Important For All Adults

Your optometrist at Weeden Eye Clinic wants you to know that diabetic exams are important for all adults, not just those who have diabetes. Of course, if you do have diabetes, it’s even more crucial to get routine eye exams frequently, in addition to diabetic eye exams in New Albany, MS. As you may know, having diabetes increases the risk of several eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. These conditions can develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, making regular exams essential for early detection and treatment. But again, everyone should have diabetic eye exams at least once a year. Here’s why.

You May Not Know You Have Diabetes

Millions of people around the world have diabetes and are managing it with the help of their primary care physician and eye doctor. But many people are walking around with diabetes and don’t even know it. Meanwhile, the disease is causing havoc with certain systems in the body, as well as causing damage to their eyes. So it’s quite possible that you could have diabetes and not yet know it. This is why you should have a diabetic eye exam annually.

Thin People Can Have Diabetes, Too

There’s a myth that only overweight people get diabetes. But thin people, who appear to be very healthy, can also develop this disease. So, just because you take good care of yourself, eat well and exercise doesn’t mean you are automatically never going to get diabetes. And if it ever did happen, one of the first things you’ll want to do to protect yourself is to get a diabetic eye exam. But don’t wait to find out. Just get the exam at least once a year to be on the safe side. Your eyesight can’t be replaced.

The Risk is Too Great

Diabetes can cause a host of problems, including blindness that can’t be reversed. The optic nerve can be damaged, as can the blood vessels in the eyes. The risk is too great to gamble with your vision.

Contact your eye doctor in New Albany, MS to schedule an appointment for an eye exam or a diabetic eye exam. The peace of mind is well worth it.