Diabetes can affect the eye and body in a variety of ways. Diabetes is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. Diabetic eye exams are used to evaluate the effect of diabetes on the eye’s vascular system, retina, optic nerve, and lens. Many of these diabetic eye disease complications can happen quickly and without symptoms putting the eyes at risk of visual impairment.

Diabetes increases the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration by 40% or more. It can also cause diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. 60-80% of diabetics have some type of diabetic retinopathy within 10 years of being diabetic.

​​​​​​​Dilated diabetic eye exams are a window into the body. Evaluating the retinal blood vessels inside the eye is a representation of the blood vessels across the body such as in the liver and the feet which are not able to be viewed by other means. Our eye doctors at Green Eye Care then work with your endocrinologist to provide the best care to manage and prevent diabetes.