Many know all too well the effects that chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can have on the body. But there isn’t enough awareness around how these conditions can have a significant impact on eye health, often leading to serious vision problems if left unchecked. Because many eye diseases develop without noticeable symptoms, early detection is crucial.
At Prate Family Eye Care in Laurel Springs, we utilize Optomap retinal imaging and comprehensive eye exams to identify early signs of diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), helping patients maintain their vision and overall health.
How Diabetes and Hypertension Affect the Eyes
Individuals with diabetes and hypertension are at higher risk for the following vision-impairing conditions:
- Diabetic Retinopathy – High blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the retina, leading to bleeding, swelling, and vision loss.
- Hypertensive Retinopathy – Elevated blood pressure can narrow or damage retinal blood vessels, increasing the risk of vision problems.
- Glaucoma and Cataracts – People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing glaucoma and cataracts earlier in life.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) – Poor circulation from hypertension can accelerate retinal damage, increasing the risk of AMD.
Regular comprehensive eye exams allow for early detection and treatment, giving you a much better chance at preserving your vision and eye health.
The Role of Optomap Retinal Imaging
At Prate Family Eye Care, we have a host of advanced diagnostic technology including Optomap retinal imaging, an advanced diagnostic tool that captures a detailed, wide-field view of the retina.
Benefits of Optomap include:
- Early Detection: Identifies signs of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and AMD before symptoms appear.
- Non-Invasive & Quick: The scan takes just seconds and does not require dilation in most cases.
- Comprehensive Monitoring: Tracks changes in eye health over time, allowing for more effective treatment plans.
How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?
For patients with chronic conditions, routine eye exams are essential:
- Diabetes: Annual eye exams to monitor for early signs of diabetic retinopathy and other complications.
- Hypertension: Regular eye exams based on doctor recommendations to detect hypertensive retinopathy.
- General Preventative Care: Patients over 40 should schedule routine eye exams to screen for glaucoma and AMD, even if they have no symptoms.
Protect Your Vision with Prate Family Eye Care
Regular eye exams do more than check vision—they provide critical insight into overall health. If you have diabetes, hypertension, or another chronic condition, staying proactive with eye care is key.
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Prate Family Eye Care in Laurel Springs today and take an important step toward preserving your sight.