Diabetic Eye Exams
Bellevue & Kirkland

When the blood vessels in your eyes swell and leak fluid and blood (diabetic retinopathy), it can cause fluid to build up on the macula, the part of your retina responsible for clear central vision. This is called diabetic macular edema, where the macula swells and thickens, distorting vision.

Many people will develop cataracts as they age, but having diabetes puts you at risk of developing them earlier in life. A cataract forms when proteins in the crystalline lens of your eye break down, causing cloudiness. Cataracts cause hazy vision, but the early stages can be managed with a change in your glasses prescriptions. Eventually, you may require cataract surgery to replace your natural lens with an artificial one.

Having diabetes puts you at a higher risk of developing glaucoma—an eye condition typically caused by increased pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve (the part of your eye responsible for transmitting images to your brain), working from the outside, peripheral vision inward. Glaucoma may not show signs or symptoms until vision loss has already occurred.

Dry eye is the most common eye condition people with diabetes experience. Managing blood-sugar levels can help mitigate the effects of dry eyes, but if your eyes feel scratchy, red, or burning, Specialty Eye can help restore moisture to your eyes. Learn more on our Dry Eye Therapy page.