Living with diabetes means paying close attention to your overall health—including your vision. Here in Frisco, where life is busy with work, family, and community events, it’s easy to put eye care on the back burner. But for those managing diabetes, prioritizing regular eye checkups and healthy habits can help prevent serious vision problems down the road.

Understanding Diabetes & Eye Health

Diabetes affects how your body processes sugar, which can have a significant impact on your eyes. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to conditions like:

•          Diabetic Retinopathy – A leading cause of vision loss, this condition occurs when high blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels, causing them to leak or swell.

•          Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) – Swelling in the macula can blur vision and make it difficult to read or drive.

•          Cataracts – While cataracts can happen to anyone, diabetics tend to develop them earlier and at a faster rate.

•          Glaucoma – Diabetes increases the risk of glaucoma, a condition that affects the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss.

Many of these conditions are preventable with the right approach. Here’s how you can take charge of your eye health.

Get Annual Dilated Eye Exams

If you have diabetes, routine eye exams aren’t just a good idea—they’re essential. A comprehensive, dilated eye exam at least once a year allows your eye doctor to detect early signs of diabetic eye disease before symptoms appear. If issues are caught early, treatment options can help preserve your vision.

Keep Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure & Cholesterol in Check

Managing diabetes isn’t just about watching blood sugar levels. High blood pressure and cholesterol can also contribute to eye complications. Keeping these under control through diet, exercise, and medication can reduce the risk of vision problems.

Maintain a Healthy Diet & Stay Active

What you eat matters. A diet rich in leafy greens, fish high in omega-3s, and vitamin C-packed fruits can support eye health. Avoid processed sugars and high-carb foods that spike blood sugar levels.

Exercise isn’t just good for your overall health—it also improves circulation, which benefits your eyes. Whether you prefer a jog around Frisco Commons Park or a session at The Star’s fitness center, staying active can help regulate blood sugar and reduce eye health risks.

Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage

Diabetics are more prone to cataracts and other vision issues, making sun protection a must. Invest in high-quality UV-blocking sunglasses—especially important when enjoying the Texas sun at Frisco Square’s outdoor events or while walking around Stonebriar Centre.

Be Aware of Vision Changes

Blurry vision, dark spots, or sudden vision changes could indicate a problem. If you notice any new symptoms, don’t wait—schedule an appointment immediately. Prompt treatment can prevent further damage.

Prioritizing Your Eye Health in Frisco

Diabetes requires daily management, and eye health should be part of that routine. At Eyes of Starwood, we’re committed to helping our Frisco community maintain clear, healthy vision. Whether it’s your first diabetic eye exam or you’re managing an ongoing condition, our team is here to provide personalized care.

Schedule your diabetic eye exam with Eyes of Starwood, and take the next step in protecting your vision. Visit our office in Frisco, Texas, or call (972) 544-4300 to book an appointment today.