Eye Health Tips for Living Well with Diabetes

More than 1 in 10 adults in Georgia has been diagnosed with diabetes, and that number continues to grow each year, especially in smaller communities across the Southeast. But here’s something most people don’t realize: nearly 1 in 3 individuals with diabetes will also develop some form of diabetic eye disease. 

These vision problems don’t always start with obvious symptoms. In fact, diabetic retinopathy—the most common vision complication—can progress quietly for years before it begins to blur your sight. And when that happens, it’s often too late to reverse the damage. 

The good news? Vision loss from diabetes is largely preventable. At Thomas Eye Center, located just down the road from Baxter Street and close to the University of Georgia, we’re proud to serve the Athens community with diabetic eye care that’s personal, thorough, and rooted in genuine relationships. 

Diabetes and Eye Health: What’s the Connection? 

Living with diabetes means managing more than just your blood sugar. Over time, diabetes can silently affect your eyesight, sometimes before you even notice symptoms. That’s why your eye care routine matters just as much as your A1C readings. 

When blood sugar remains consistently high, it can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes. This can lead to a range of vision problems, including: 

• Diabetic Retinopathy: Damaged blood vessels in the retina, which can cause vision loss. 
• Macular Edema: Fluid buildup that leads to blurry or distorted central vision. 
• Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure that can damage the optic nerve. 
• Cataracts: Cloudy lenses that develop earlier and progress faster in people with diabetes. 

What makes these conditions particularly dangerous is that many develop with no early symptoms. By the time vision changes are noticeable, damage may already be permanent. 

Tips for Diabetic Patients in Athens 

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, eye care should always be part of your long-term health plan. Here are some steps you can take now to protect your vision: 

1. Schedule a Diabetic Eye Exam Once a Year 

A dilated eye exam allows our optometrist to view the back of your eye and detect early signs of disease. At Thomas Eye Center, our exams include retinal imaging and a thorough evaluation of your overall eye health. 

2. Monitor Your Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure 

High blood sugar and high blood pressure both strain the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. Keeping these numbers in check helps prevent long-term complications. 

3. Recognize Warning Signs 

Schedule an exam with our eye doctors immediately if you notice: 

• Blurry or fluctuating vision 
• Dark spots or floaters 
• Eye pain or pressure 
• Difficulty seeing at night 

<H3> 4. Choose the Right Eye Care Partner 

Not all optometrists have experience managing diabetic eye care. Thomas Eye Center in Athens works closely with patients and their primary care providers or endocrinologists to ensure continuity of care based on each patient’s health history. 

Comprehensive Diabetic Eye Care in Athens, GA 

We understand the pressure that comes with managing diabetes. That’s why we aim to make your eye care supportive and clinically thorough. We serve patients from all over Athens—from Normaltown to Five Points, from Baxter Street to Oconee Forest Park—and we treat every person who walks through our doors like family. 

Our diabetic eye care includes: 

Advanced Retinal Imaging 

We use high-resolution diagnostic imaging to monitor your retina for subtle changes. These tools help us track the health of your eyes over time and give your primary care doctor or endocrinologist detailed reports. 

Personalized Eye Exam Schedules 

Not every patient needs the same testing or follow-up schedule. Some may need annual monitoring, while others, especially those with signs of early diabetic retinopathy, may require exams every 6 months. We tailor your care based on your current eye health, blood sugar control, and personal risk factors. 

Education That Empowers 

Understanding your risks and knowing what to watch for is half the battle. We’ll walk you through every part of the exam and make sure you leave with clear answers to your questions. Our goal is to help you feel confident about your care and more in control of your health. 

Make Eye Health Part of Your Diabetes Management 

You already work hard to manage your blood sugar and stay on top of your health. Let us help with the next step. Our Athens location makes it easy to fit diabetic eye care into your routine, and our friendly, experienced staff ensures a positive experience from start to finish. 

Request an appointment to schedule your diabetic eye exam at Thomas Eye Center. Your vision is worth protecting, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.