If you live with diabetes, your eyes need special attention. Diabetic eye disease often develops long before your vision changes.
The simplest way to protect your sight?
Book a yearly dilated eye exam with an Dr. Shirley who understands diabetes-related vision issues.
At 20/20 Vision Care, we use advanced diagnostic tools to detect problems early and coordinate with your primary care provider or endocrinologist to support your overall health.
How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
Over time, high blood sugar can damage the delicate blood vessels in the back of your eye. This can lead to:
- Diabetic retinopathy: fragile blood vessels swell, leak, or grow abnormally in the retina
- Diabetic macular edema (DME): swelling in the central part of your vision
- Higher risk of cataracts and glaucoma
The problem? Diabetic eye disease is often silent in the early stages. You might see clearly and feel fine while changes are already occurring. Waiting until your vision feels “off” can mean missing the best window for early treatment.
A yearly dilated eye exam lets your Dr. Shirley look directly at the retina—spotting even subtle signs of damage before they progress.
Who Needs These Exams Every Year?
Most people with diabetes, whether Type 1 or Type 2, should have a dilated exam at least once per year.
You may need more frequent visits if:
- You've been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy or other eye conditions
- You're pregnant and have diabetes (hormonal shifts can speed up eye changes)
- Your doctor recommends monitoring if you're pre-diabetic
- You’ve had recent changes in blood sugar control or other risk factors
At 20/20 Vision Care, we’ll personalize your exam schedule and coordinate with your medical team to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
What to Expect During a Diabetic Eye Exam
Your diabetic eye exam is non-invasive and usually takes less than an hour. Here’s what it includes:
Review of Your Health History
We’ll discuss your diabetes management, A1C levels, and any recent vision symptoms like floaters or blurry spots.
Eye Pressure Testing
This screens for glaucoma and checks the health of the eye's front surface.
Pupil Dilation
Special drops gently widen your pupils so we can examine your retina and optic nerve in detail—crucial for spotting diabetic changes.
Imaging of the Retina
High-resolution scans let us look for swelling, leakage, or abnormal blood vessel growth—often before symptoms appear.
Personalized Plan
If we detect any changes, we’ll discuss next steps—whether it’s more frequent exams, lifestyle guidance, or a referral to a retinal specialist.
Your vision might be a little light-sensitive after dilation, so bring sunglasses—and arrange a ride if you feel unsure about driving.
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
If you have diabetes and notice sudden changes in your vision, don’t wait. Contact your Dr. Shirley right away if you experience:
- Sudden blurry or distorted vision
- New floaters (dark spots, cobweb shapes, or strings)
- Flashes of light
- A shadow or “curtain” across part of your vision
- Difficulty seeing in dim lighting or at night
These symptoms don’t always mean permanent damage, but they are urgent. Fast diagnosis and treatment give you the best chance of protecting your vision long-term.
Everyday Habits That Support Healthy Eyes
You can’t control everything, but your daily habits play a big role in keeping your eyes healthy with diabetes. Along with regular exams, try to:
- Keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol within target ranges
- Follow your meal plan and medication schedule consistently
- Stay active with exercise that works for your body
- Quit smoking, or avoid it altogether
- Wear 100% UV-protective sunglasses outdoors
- Keep all follow-up appointments—even when your vision seems fine
Remember, your Dr. Shirley isn’t separate from your diabetes care team. They’re an essential part of protecting your overall health.
Diabetic Eye Care in Pittsburgh
At 20/20 Vision Care, we provide complete medical and primary eye care tailored for patients with diabetes, including:
- Annual diabetic eye exams and dilated retinal evaluations
- Diagnosis and management of diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases
- Updated prescriptions for glasses or contacts
- Coordination with your primary care provider, endocrinologist, or retinal specialist when needed
We’re located in Pittsburgh and welcome patients from across the Pittsburgh area!
Ready for Your Next Exam?
If you live with diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms to show up. Eye disease can develop quietly, and once vision loss begins, it’s harder to reverse.
Book your annual dilated diabetic eye exam at 20/20 Vision Care today, and take a proactive step toward protecting your sight.