By Dr. Ria Patel
Certain health conditions call for a proactive approach to maintaining optimal eye health and vision throughout life. Individuals with the following conditions should schedule regular visits with an eye doctor:
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease, seeking routine eye care is highly encouraged to prevent potential vision loss or permanent damage.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that individuals with type 2 diabetes schedule a comprehensive eye exam as soon as they are diagnosed, regardless of age. Follow-up visits should be tailored to your specific needs, as determined by your eye doctor.
Diabetes often introduces unique challenges for eye health, even when blood sugar levels are well-managed. It can lead to serious complications like diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can cause blindness if untreated. Other potential issues include cataracts, glaucoma, and additional vision problems.
High blood pressure affects one in three adults in the United States and can significantly impact eye health. During a dilated eye exam, your doctor may detect signs of hypertension, such as irregular blood vessels or bleeding at the back of the eye.
Hypertension increases the risk of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and other vision-threatening conditions. In some cases, high blood pressure can lead to retinal vein or artery blockages, resulting in permanent vision loss.
A family history of eye disease can significantly increase your risk of developing conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. For example, having a relative with glaucoma increases your likelihood of developing the disease by four to nine times. With conditions like untreated glaucoma leading to potential blindness, knowing your family history and sharing it with your eye doctor is vital for early detection and prevention.
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease—or if you haven’t seen an eye doctor recently—it’s time to make an appointment. Regular eye care is essential to protect your vision and maintain your overall health.
Routine, comprehensive eye exams have been proven by medical research to help combat eye disease and vision loss. Schedule an appointment with a Thomas Eye Group licensed eye doctor today to care for your vision and eye health properly.
Ria Patel, O.D., MBA is a Board-licensed comprehensive optometrist serving patients at our Kennesaw location. Dr. Patel offers a range of services including comprehensive eye exams with prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and treatment of various ocular conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease, among others.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. It describes itself as a “global community of 32,000 medical doctors who protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public.” Its website is a great resource to learn more about how to care for your eyes.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) describes itself as the leading authority on quality care and an advocate for our nation’s health, representing more than 44,000 doctors of optometry (O.D.), optometric professionals, and optometry students.
Ask Your Family About Their History of Eye Disease
Ask Your Family About Their History of Eye Disease – American Academy of Ophthalmology
Don’t Let Diabetes Distress Ruin Your Vision
Don’t Let Diabetes Distress Ruin Your Vision – American Academy of Ophthalmology
How Diabetes Affects Your Eye Care
How Diabetes Affects Your Eye Care – American Academy of Ophthalmology
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic Eye Disease – American Academy of Ophthalmology
20 Surprising Health Problems an Eye Exam Can Catch
20 Surprising Health Problems an Eye Exam Can Catch – American Academy of Ophthalmology
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