Protect Your Vision. Protect Your Health.
Each November, Diabetes Awareness Month reminds us how important it is to take control of our health and understand the impact diabetes can have on every part of the body—including our eyes.
Diabetes Awareness Month was first established in 1975 to bring global attention to the rising number of people affected by diabetes and the serious health challenges it can cause. Over the years, it has grown into a worldwide effort to educate, support, and empower individuals to prevent and manage this condition through awareness and early intervention.
Understanding Diabetes and Its Impact on Vision
Diabetes affects how your body uses insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. When blood sugar levels stay high for long periods, they can damage small blood vessels throughout the body. This includes the delicate vessels in the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye responsible for vision.
This damage can lead to diabetic retinopathy, one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in adults. Diabetes also increases the risk of other serious eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts.
The most concerning part? Diabetic eye disease often develops without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. That’s why regular, comprehensive eye exams are so critical—they can detect early warning signs long before vision changes occur.
Common Warning Signs of Diabetic Eye Disease
If you have diabetes, watch for these potential vision symptoms:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark or empty areas in your sight
- Increased difficulty seeing at night
- Colors appearing faded or washed out
- Spots, floaters, or sudden vision loss
Even if you don’t experience any of these symptoms, diabetic eye disease can still progress silently—another reason to make annual eye exams a non-negotiable part of your healthcare routine.
Hope Through Early Detection and Care
While there’s currently no cure for diabetes, the good news is that vision loss from diabetic eye disease can often be prevented with early detection and proper treatment. Managing your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol—along with regular visits to your eye doctor—can significantly reduce your risk.
At Valley Vision Optometry, Dr. Shaun Golemba and Dr. Morgan Jackson are passionate about helping patients preserve their vision for life. Using advanced diagnostic technology, they can detect even the earliest changes in the retina caused by diabetes—often before symptoms appear.
Their approach is personal and proactive. Whether you need a routine exam, specialized care for diabetic retinopathy, or simply reassurance about your vision, you’ll receive compassionate, comprehensive care designed to help you see your best—for life.
Take Charge of Your Eye Health
This Diabetes Awareness Month, take a moment to prioritize your eye health. If you have diabetes—or even risk factors such as family history, high blood pressure, or weight concerns—scheduling a comprehensive eye exam could make all the difference.
At Valley Vision Optometry, we believe your eyes deserve the best protection possible.
Call us today at 250-724-0933 or book your exam online to take the next step toward clearer, healthier vision.
Your eyes tell your story—let’s make sure it’s one of lifelong sight and health.