Diabetes Awareness Month is a timely reminder that diabetes can seriously impact your eyes. At Hopkins Eye Center, we help our Greenville community recognize risks, take preventive steps, and get the right eye exams to preserve vision.
How Diabetes Impacts Eye Health
High blood sugar can damage small blood vessels throughout the body—including those in the retina. Over time, this damage may lead to:
- Diabetic retinopathy (microaneurysms, hemorrhages, vessel leakage)
- Diabetic macular edema (DME) — swelling in the macula causing blurred central vision
- Increased risk of glaucoma (higher intraocular pressure)
- Early-onset cataracts (lens clouding tends to develop sooner)
Many changes occur gradually, often without symptoms in the early stages. That’s why routine eye exams are critical.
Why Annual Diabetic Eye Exams Matter
For individuals with diabetes, an annual comprehensive dilated retinal exam helps detect early signs before irreversible damage sets in. A complete diabetic eye exam typically includes:
- Pupil dilation and retinal inspection
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to assess retinal layers
- Intraocular pressure test
- Digital retinal photography
- Monitoring for signs of glaucoma or cataract progression
At Hopkins Eye Center, our Greenville eye care professionals use advanced diagnostic tools to detect even subtle changes.
If abnormalities are found, we coordinate referrals and follow-ups with retinal specialists or your primary care provider.
Practical Eye Health Tips for Diabetic Patients in Greenville
To protect your vision, follow these recommendations:
- Maintain stable blood sugar levels — fluctuations accelerate vascular damage.
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol — high readings worsen eye disease.
- Don’t ignore vision changes — blurred vision, floaters, shadows or dark spots are red flags.
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors to reduce oxidative stress.
- Quit smoking — tobacco raises risk for diabetic eye disease.
- Stay active and maintain a healthy diet, including foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3s.
Serving Greenville: Diabetic Eye Care at Hopkins Eye Center
At Hopkins Eye Center in Greenville, we offer:
- Diabetic eye exams tailored to your condition
- Full ocular health assessments including glaucoma and cataract screening
- Digital retinal imaging and OCT analysis
- Patient education and ongoing monitoring
- Coordination with endocrinologists or retinal specialists
Learn more about our service offerings on our Eye Care Services page.
When to Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam
Don’t wait until symptoms arise. During Diabetes Awareness Month, take the first step toward proactive vision care:
- Call us at (864) 234-5335 to schedule your exam
- Send us a message via our Contact page
- Or visit Hopkins Eye Center to learn more about all our services in Greenville
Find Us (Greenville, SC)
Address: 3900 South Highway 14, Building D, Greenville, SC 29615
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often should someone with diabetes get an eye exam?
A: At least once a year. More frequent exams may be needed depending on disease severity or retinopathy findings.
Q: What symptoms suggest diabetic eye disease?
A: Blurry vision, floaters, dark spots or shadows, or sudden changes in vision.
Q: Is a diabetic eye exam different from a regular eye exam?
A: Yes — it includes dilation, retinal imaging, OCT scans, and thorough inspection for blood vessel changes.
