The effect of diabetes goes beyond just blood sugar. The disease can impact various areas of your life, including your eyes and vision. The retina is responsible for receiving light. After a while of having elevated blood sugar, it can cause damage to the blood vessels that connect to your retina, which can interfere with its ability to process the images around you. This can lead to symptoms such as blurred vision, floaters, and notably, increased sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, a diabetic eye exam with a trusted eye doctor in Vaughan can help you preserve and even improve your vision. To learn more, contact Dr. Brian Abrams, a trusted optometrist near you in Vaughan.
Signs of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common eye conditions caused by diabetes. It develops when high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, which can cause them to swell, leading to various symptoms, including blurred or fluctuating vision, dark spots or floaters, poor night vision, impaired perception of colour, and increased sensitivity to light. By scheduling a diabetic eye exam regularly, your eye doctor in Vaughan can identify signs of diabetic retinopathy early and provide treatment from injections and medication to effective laser treatments. To learn more about your treatment options, book an exam with Dr. Brian Abrams in Woodbridge.
What is Photophobia?
Photophobia is another name for light sensitivity that occurs when the damaged retina struggles to regulate how much light enters the eye. These symptoms often progress silently, making regular diabetic eye exam appointments essential. Early detection through these exams helps in timely treatment, which can prevent severe vision loss.
When Should You Visit the Eye Doctor for Light Sensitivity
Everyone experiences sensitivity to light occasionally, but for people with diabetes, it’s important to pay attention and book a diabetic eye exam, especially when the light sensitivity is coupled with other symptoms. If your eyes are frequently irritated by bright light, if you notice halos around lights, or if artificial lighting triggers headaches or visual discomfort, it’s time to take action and book a visit with your eye doctor in Vaughan.
When your light sensitivity is persistent or getting worse, it can indicate that diabetic retinopathy is advancing, or you may be developing cataracts, glaucoma, or even, in extreme cases, retinal detachment, which would require emergency eye care.
All these conditions require immediate evaluation. Visiting an eye doctor in Vaughan as soon as you observe these symptoms can make a crucial difference in preserving your vision. If symptoms are sudden or severe, such as abrupt vision loss or eye pain, you should consult an emergency eye doctor like Dr. Brian Abrams immediately.
Protect Your Vision with Diabetic Eye Exams and Dr. Brian Abrams
While it’s important to pay attention to symptoms of common eye conditions among people with diabetes, it’s most helpful to schedule regular diabetic eye exams at your local, trusted eye doctor in Vaughan. By attending annual check-ins with your eye doctor, you can get early intervention for conditions that may be affecting your eyesight without the need for emergency eye care in the future.
Dr. Brian Abrams and our team of trusted professionals are experienced with patients who have been affected by diabetes and can help you preserve, protect, and treat your eyes effectively and strategically.
Get started by booking your eye exam.
