5 Early Warning Signs of Diabetic Eye Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore

Older woman holding glasses and rubbing eyes from diabetic eye disease symptom in Chesapeake Living with diabetes means keeping a careful watch over your overall health, and your vision should be no exception. Diabetic eye disease, like diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, is a primary cause of vision loss in adults. The good news? Early detection can make a significant difference. Knowing what to look for can help you protect your sight for years to come. Here are five early warning signs of diabetic eye disease you shouldn’t ignore.

At Southside Eye Care, our goal is to help you maintain your best possible vision by providing comprehensive diabetic eye exams and personalized care. Our skilled doctors and certified technicians focus on your unique vision needs, so you can feel confident you’re protecting your eyes from diabetic complications.

Blurry or Fluctuating Vision

If your vision suddenly becomes blurry or seems to fluctuate from day to day, it may not be solely due to changes in your blood sugar levels. Changes in the small blood vessels in your retina can cause fluid to leak, leading to swelling and blurred vision.

Floaters or Dark Spots

Do you notice small dark shapes drifting across your field of vision? These “floaters” can signal bleeding inside the eye from damaged blood vessels, an early sign of diabetic retinopathy.

Poor Night Vision

Struggling to see at night or needing extra light to read may be a warning sign that your retina isn’t receiving the oxygen it needs. This symptom often develops gradually, so pay attention if you find yourself avoiding nighttime driving.

Faded or Washed-Out Colors

Diabetes-related damage to the retina can affect your ability to see colors vividly. If colors look dull or washed out, it’s worth mentioning to your eye doctor.

Blank or Dark Areas in Your Vision

As diabetic eye disease progresses, you may develop blank spots or areas where your vision is missing altogether. This happens when damaged blood vessels block light from reaching parts of the retina.

Protect Your Sight with Expert Diabetic Eye Care in Chesapeake, VA

If you notice any of these warning signs, call us at 757-484-0101 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam right away. Many forms of diabetic eye disease show no symptoms at first, so even if you don’t have vision changes, yearly eye exams are crucial. Protecting your vision is worth it!

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