If you have diabetes, regular eye exams are essential—even if your vision seems stable. Many serious eye conditions develop without noticeable symptoms, and early detection is key to preventing vision loss.

At The Eye Institute of Corpus Christi, we specialize in diabetic eye care, helping patients monitor and manage their eye health to prevent complications.

Why Are Eye Exams Important for Diabetics?

Diabetes increases the risk of several eye conditions, including:
✔ Diabetic Retinopathy – Damage to the blood vessels in the retina.
✔ Glaucoma – Increased pressure inside the eye that can damage the optic nerve.
✔ Cataracts – Clouding of the eye’s natural lens, occurring earlier in diabetics.

Since many of these conditions start without symptoms, routine dilated eye exams are critical for early detection and treatment.

Diabetic Retinopathy: The Leading Cause of Vision Loss

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Over time, this can lead to bleeding, swelling, and vision impairment.

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

🔹 Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)

• Early stage with small red or white spots (microaneurysms) visible on the retina.

• May cause minor vision changes, but often no symptoms.

🔹 Macular Edema

• Swelling of the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision.

• A leading cause of diabetic vision loss.

🔹 Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

• Advanced stage where new, abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina.

• Fragile vessels rupture easily, leading to bleeding, scarring, and potential retinal detachment.

• If untreated, this can lead to severe vision loss or blindness.

Diagnosis & Monitoring of Diabetic Eye Disease

How is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?

Our specialists use advanced imaging technology to detect and track diabetic retinopathy, including:

✔ Dilated Eye Exams – Provides a detailed view of retinal blood vessels.
✔ Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Creates high-resolution images to detect early swelling and fluid leaks.
✔ Fundus Photography – Captures detailed images of the retina to monitor changes over time.

When Should Diabetics Get an Eye Exam?

• Type 1 Diabetes: Eye exam at diagnosis and annually thereafter.

• Type 2 Diabetes: Eye exam at diagnosis and every year to monitor changes.

• Pregnant Women with Diabetes: Eye exam before pregnancy and additional screenings throughout pregnancy.

Take Control of Your Eye Health

With modern treatments and early detection, you can reduce the risk of blindness from diabetes-related eye disease.

If you haven’t had a dilated eye exam this year, it’s time to prioritize your vision health..