The Importance of Diabetic Eye Exams

The Importance of Diabetic Eye Exams

Dr. Carrie Smith, TriaVision – Hoover & Bessemer

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, and it’s a great time to highlight an important message: if you have diabetes, regular eye exams aren’t optional — they’re essential. Even if your vision seems fine, diabetes can silently affect your eyes, sometimes leading to serious complications before you notice any changes.

Why Vision Can Deceive You

Many people with diabetes assume that if they can see clearly, their eyes are healthy. While good vision is wonderful, it doesn’t tell the full story. Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina — a condition called diabetic retinopathy — long before any vision problems appear. I often tell my patients, “Clear vision doesn’t mean clear eyes. Your eyes could be telling a story you can’t yet see.”

The Value of Early Detection

Diabetic eye disease is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in adults, but the good news is that early detection can make all the difference. During a comprehensive eye exam, we can identify changes in the retina and other structures of the eye, often before you experience symptoms. Catching these changes early allows us to intervene and protect your vision, whether through monitoring, lifestyle changes, or advanced treatments.

How Often Should You Get Examined?

For people with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have additional risk factors, more frequent exams may be necessary. Regular exams help us track changes over time and catch problems before they become serious.

Your Eyes Can Reveal More Than You Think

Diabetic eye exams aren’t just about protecting your vision — they also provide insight into your overall health. The retina’s blood vessels can reflect the condition of your circulation and even indicate complications from diabetes that may affect other parts of your body. This is another reason why routine eye exams are so important for patients with diabetes.

Protect Your Vision Today

As I tell my patients in Hoover and Bessemer, “Think of your eye exam as a key part of your diabetes management. Even if your vision seems fine, regular exams can catch problems early and help you maintain healthy eyes for years to come.”

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear — schedule your diabetic eye exam today. At TriaVision, we’re here to help you protect your vision and your health, providing comprehensive care every step of the way.

Dr. Carrie Smith is now accepting patients who need diabetic eye exams at our Hoover and Bessemer locations. Call or text 833-SEE-TRIA to book your next appointment.