Diabetes and Your Eye Health: Why Retinal Eye Exams Matter – Christopher Ottiano, MD, NHPRI

by Christopher Ottiano, M.D., medical director, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island – contributing writer

Diabetes and Your Eye Health: Why Retinal Eye Exams Matter

November is American Diabetes Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about a condition that affects millions of Americans and can have a significant impact on overall health. While many people associate diabetes with blood sugar management, the condition can also affect the heart, kidneys, nerves and eyes. One of the most important steps people with diabetes can take to protect their health is getting a regular retinal eye exam.

More than 38 million Americans are living with diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar. In Rhode Island, the American Diabetes Association estimates that approximately 105,400 people, about 10% of the state’s population, have diagnosed diabetes, and an estimated 9,000 Rhode Island adults are diagnosed each year. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, increasing the risk of serious health complications.

One of the most common diabetes-related eye conditions is diabetic retinopathy, a disease that occurs when high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often causes no symptoms, making it easy to overlook until vision changes begin to occur.

That is why regular retinal eye exams are so important.

A retinal eye exam allows an eye care professional to examine the retina for early signs of damage, often before a person notices any changes in vision. During the exam, drops are typically used to dilate, or widen, the pupils so the retina can be viewed more clearly. In some cases, retinal imaging technology may be used to capture detailed photographs of the back of the eye.

Early detection is critical because diabetic eye disease can often be treated more effectively before vision loss occurs. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blurred vision, vision loss and even blindness. The good news is that early diagnosis, better blood sugar management and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce the risk of serious vision problems.

People with diabetes are also at higher risk for other eye conditions, including glaucoma and cataracts. A comprehensive eye exam can help detect these conditions as well, allowing for earlier intervention and treatment.

Managing diabetes requires a proactive approach and often involves a team of health care professionals working together to support overall health. Along with taking medications as prescribed, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active and keeping regular medical appointments, annual retinal eye exams are an essential part of diabetes care.

For many people, vision changes are not the first sign of diabetic eye disease. In fact, damage can occur long before symptoms appear. That is why experts generally recommend that people with diabetes receive a retinal eye exam at least once a year, even if their vision seems perfectly normal. Individuals with existing eye disease or other risk factors may need exams more frequently based on their provider’s recommendations.

This American Diabetes Month, consider making eye health a priority. A retinal eye exam is a simple screening that can provide valuable information about your health and help identify potential problems before they become more serious.

To learn more about diabetes, you can visit the American Diabetes Association eye health resource at diabetes.org/health-wellness/eye-health. Another helpful resource is the Rhode Island Department of Health – health.ri.gov/diabetes.

When it comes to diabetes, protecting your vision today can help you maintain your independence, quality of life and overall well-being for years to come.

Christopher Ottiano, M.D., is the medical director at Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island