Ryan Deasy, MD

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you need to be extra vigilant when it comes to caring for your eyes. Unfortunately, diabetes can lead to vision loss. By taking control of your eye health you can reduce your risk of damage.

“Careful monitoring and control of blood sugar levels, and attention to the treatment of other medical conditions is the most important way to reduce the effects that diabetes has on the eyes,” says Cleveland Clinic ophthalmologist Ryan Deasy, MD. “It also is extremely important for diabetic patients to see an eye doctor at least once a year for a thorough retinal exam.”

Dilated eye exams are important to screen for diabetic-related eye disease that may require treatment. The goal is to administer treatment before vision is compromised, which can only be accomplished through appropriate screening.

In addition, you should contact your doctor immediately if:

• your vision decreases or becomes blurred,
• you see dark spots or "floaters" in your vision, or
• you have any new visual or ocular concern.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most serious threat to your vision, affecting more than 5 million Americans. Diabetes can cause blood vessels in the retina to become damaged and leak fluid or blood in the back of the eye. In mild cases, treatment for diabetic retinopathy may not be necessary. In some cases however, treatment may be recommended.

Regular eye exams are important for everyone. Cleveland Clinic ophthalmologists and optometrists are available to help you take care of your eyesight.

To schedule an appointment with a Cleveland Clinic/Lakeland Eye vision specialist at Lakewood Hospital, call 216-529-5320.