Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults — and it's almost completely preventable with regular exams. The catch: damage happens before you notice any symptoms.
Diabetes weakens the tiny blood vessels in the retina. They leak, swell, and can grow abnormally. Vision stays fine until damage is substantial — which is exactly why annual dilated exams are life-changing.
When caught early, diabetic eye disease has excellent treatments: injections, laser, sometimes surgery. When caught late, we can save some vision but rarely restore what's lost.
Type 1: 5 years after diagnosis. Type 2: at diagnosis, then yearly. Pregnancy: more often.
Every 1% drop in A1C reduces retinopathy risk by ~35%. Numbers matter.
High blood pressure and cholesterol accelerate diabetic eye disease. Treat all three together.
Any retinopathy? We'll see you every 3–6 months to catch progression early.