Most people think of eye exams as a way to check if they need glasses or contact lenses, but they can actually reveal much more. Your eyes are one of the only places in the body where a doctor can see blood vessels directly, which means they can offer important clues about your overall health. Does that mean an eye doctor can tell if you have diabetes? In some cases, yes.
The eyes are windows to your health
During a comprehensive eye exam, our eye doctor looks at the inside of your eyes using specialized instruments. One of the key things we examine is the retina, a layer of tissue at the back of your eye that’s filled with tiny blood vessels. Changes to these vessels, such as swelling, leaking, or abnormal growth, can be early signs of diabetic eye disease, even before you’ve noticed any symptoms.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
One of the most common signs of diabetes in the eyes is a condition called diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina. In its early stages, you might not feel or see anything unusual, and only an eye exam can detect this condition. Sometimes, an optometrist notices signs of diabetic retinopathy before someone even knows they have diabetes.
Our eye doctor may notice:
- Swelling or leaking of blood vessels
- Small spots of bleeding in the retina
- Abnormal new blood vessel growth
- Changes to the optic nerve
These signs can indicate that you have diabetes or that your diabetes is not well-controlled.
Other signs our eye doctor may notice
In addition to diabetic retinopathy, our optometrist may also spot:
- Cataracts developing at a younger age than usual
- Fluctuating vision, which may signal changes in blood sugar levels
- Glaucoma, which is more common in people with diabetes
While these findings don’t automatically mean you have diabetes, they can be red flags that something deeper is going on.
Diabetic eye care at Konocti View Optometry
To give you the best possible care, Konocti View Optometry offers RETeval® ERG testing as part of our diabetic eye exams in Lakeport, CA. This quick, non-invasive test measures the electrical activity in your retina, giving us detailed insight into how your eyes are functioning.
By tracking how your retina responds to changes in blood sugar, we can spot signs of diabetic retinopathy and other retinal issues early, before you notice any vision problems. Early detection gives you the chance to make lifestyle changes, manage your blood sugar, and protect both your vision and your overall health.
Schedule an appointment today
Catching changes early gives you more control over your health. Many diabetic eye complications can be managed or even prevented when caught early enough, and that all starts with an eye exam.
At Konocti View Optometry, we’re proud to care for our Lakeport community with advanced tools and a personal touch. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or are at risk, please schedule an appointment with us today.