Protect Your Vision From Diabetic Complications
Just over 1 in 10 Americans lives with diabetes—that’s more than 34 million people. Diabetes can impact your overall health, including your vision. That’s why we offer diabetic eye exams to help monitor your vision for possible issues.
Optometrists are specially positioned to assist with the diabetes epidemic. In many cases, it’s during an eye exam that the first signs of diabetes are detected.
People are often aware of the many ways that diabetes impacts overall health but don’t always consider its ocular impacts. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in adults.
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases and conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. We recommend that those with diabetes have annual, comprehensive eye exams. Taking a proactive approach to health is important, especially if you’re dealing with diabetes.
Book your diabetic eye appointment today, and let us help you preserve your sight.
Request AppointmentWhat Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that impacts the production of insulin, a hormone that regulates your body’s blood sugar levels.
When you eat, most of your food is broken down into glucose (sugar) and travels through the bloodstream. An increase in the amount of sugar in the bloodstream signals the pancreas to release insulin, which lets the sugar into your cells.
If you have diabetes, your body either does not make insulin or doesn’t use it properly.
Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can lead to various health issues, not the least of which include vision problems. Even if you don’t notice any change in your vision, it’s still important to have your eyes examined regularly. Book your appointment today.
How Does Diabetes Affect Vision?
Diabetes can lead to serious vision problems and even blindness, so it’s important to book an annual eye exam to check for any changes. Visual issues caused by diabetes may include the following.
Blurry Vision
When your body adjusts to diabetes medication or changes in your health routine, it can lead to blurry vision.
Elevated blood sugar can lead to a buildup of fluid in the eyes. Normally, the extra fluid is temporary, and your eyes will return to normal as your blood sugar stabilizes. But you should still visit your optometrist to rule out more serious issues.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Over half of people with diabetes may have retinopathy at some point. Diabetic retinopathy often progresses slowly and may not present visible symptoms until irreversible vision loss occurs. The blood vessels in your retina swell as blood sugar levels elevate.
In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, blurry vision is a common symptom. As the condition progresses, it gets more serious. Blood vessels break and bleed, leaking into the macula and causing vision loss.
Diabetic Macular Edema
Diabetic macular edema occurs when the macula swells. The macula is responsible for your central vision, so impairment can impact the ability to read, write, drive, and recognize faces. This condition is quite serious and can lead to blindness.
Book Your Diabetic Eye Exam Today
If you have diabetes, it’s important to get your eyes examined regularly. A detailed look at your retina can help us detect early signs of diabetic eye disease, even before you notice symptoms.
When needed, we may also use tools like the RETeval device to assess retinal function without dilation. This quick and comfortable test helps us monitor the health of your retina and detect subtle changes related to diabetes.
During your exam, we may use pupil dilation to view the back of your eye more clearly. This involves placing a few drops in your eyes, which temporarily enlarges the pupils. Afterward, you may be more sensitive to light, so we recommend bringing sunglasses to your visit.
Request AppointmentFind Your Nearest Spectrum Eye Care Location
South End
- Phone or Text: 704-585-8595
- Email: southendoffice@spectrumeyecarenc.com
- 2520 South Blvd Suite 108-A
- Charlotte, NC 28203
Hours
- Monday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Select Saturdays
- Sunday: Closed
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We’re at the corner of South Blvd. and Remount Rd., across from Mac’s Speed Shop.
Uptown Charlotte
- Phone or Text: 704-334-4444
- Email: uptownoffice@spectrumeyecarenc.com
- 200 South College St, Suite 307
- Charlotte, NC 28202
Hours
- Monday: 7:45 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:45 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:45 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:45 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 7:45 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
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We’re happy to validate your parking from the 200 S College St./Overstreet Mall parking garage.
South Charlotte/Colony Road
- Phone or Text: 704-543-9000
- Email: colonyoffice@spectrumeyecarenc.com
- 7615 Colony Rd, Suite 105
- Charlotte, NC 28226
Hours
- Monday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Select Saturdays
- Sunday: Closed
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We have plenty of free parking just outside the building.
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- Specialty Eye Care
- Digital Eye Strain
- Dry Eye Treatment
- Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management
- Myopia Management
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South End
- 2520 South Blvd Suite 108-A
- Charlotte, NC 28203
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P: 704-585-8595
southendoffice@spectrumeyecarenc.com
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Uptown Charlotte
- 200 South College St, Suite 307
- Charlotte, NC 28202
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P: 704-334-4444
uptownoffice@spectrumeyecarenc.com
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South Charlotte/Colony Road
- 7615 Colony Rd, Suite 105
- Charlotte, NC 28226
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P: 704-543-9000
colonyoffice@spectrumeyecarenc.com