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What Patients Should Ask Their Eye Specialist During Diabetic Eye Disease Month
Posted on: November 11, 2025
November marks Diabetic Eye Disease Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about how diabetes can affect your vision and what you can do to protect it. For individuals living with diabetes, regular eye exams are not just recommended—they’re essential. Diabetes can silently damage your eyes before you even notice symptoms, making early detection and proactive care vital to preserving your sight.
Understanding Diabetic Eye Diseases
If you have diabetes, you are at risk of developing several eye conditions, including:
- Diabetic Retinopathy: This is the most common diabetes-related eye disease, caused by damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Over time, it can lead to blurred vision, floaters, or even permanent vision loss if left untreated.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): This condition occurs when fluid builds up in the macula—the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. DME can cause visual distortion, difficulty reading, and challenges recognizing faces.
- Cataracts: People with diabetes tend to develop cataracts at a younger age. Cataracts cause the eye’s natural lens to become cloudy, resulting in blurry or dim vision.
- Glaucoma: Diabetes doubles your risk of glaucoma, a disease that damages the optic nerve due to increased eye pressure. It often progresses without symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred.
The Role of Advanced Technology: Retinal OCT
At our clinic, we use Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)—a non-invasive imaging technology that provides high-resolution, cross-sectional images of your retina. OCT allows our specialists to detect the earliest signs of diabetic eye disease before you experience vision changes. This advanced technology helps us monitor your retinal health over time and personalize your treatment plan for the best possible outcomes.
When you visit your eye specialist, consider asking:
- How often should I have my retina checked if I have diabetes?
- Can you explain what my OCT scan shows about my retinal health?
- What symptoms should I watch for that might indicate diabetic retinopathy or macular edema?
- Are my blood sugar levels affecting my eyes right now?
- What treatment options are available if you detect early signs of damage?
Partnering for Comprehensive Eye Care
If you are also experiencing cataracts or glaucoma, we encourage you to visit Shaaf Eye Center. We frequently partner with Shaaf Eye Center, a trusted name in cataract care, to ensure that once your retina is stabilized, your cataracts are addressed by skilled hands. Their experienced team provides precise surgical care that complements the retinal treatments we offer, ensuring your complete eye health is managed with expertise and compassion.
Meet Our Retina Specialists
Our team of board-certified retina specialists is dedicated to protecting and preserving your vision:
Each of our physicians combines advanced medical training with the latest diagnostic technology to provide individualized care for patients with diabetic eye disease and related conditions.
Schedule Your Eye Exam Today — And Make the Most of Your FSA Funds
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to prioritize your eye health and your financial wellness. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), remember that many FSA funds expire at the end of the year. These funds can be used for a wide range of eye care services.
By scheduling your consultation now, you can use your FSA dollars before they’re gone and ensure you enter the new year with healthy, protected vision.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—proactive care is the key to preserving your sight for the future. Schedule your consultation today and use your FSA funds before they expire!
