When Should I Have a Diabetic Eye Exam?

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Diabetes is a condition that affects many areas of the body, including the eyes. The tissues and blood vessels in the eyes are very delicate and can be easily damaged by diabetes. When this happens, it’s called diabetic retinopathy. Youreye doctor in Falls Church, VA, offers special diabetic eye exams to patients who need them. The question is, when should you have a diabetic eye exam, and how often?

When to Have a Diabetic Eye Exam

If you have diabetes, the American Diabetes Association says that you should have an annual diabetic eye exam no later than five years after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. If you have Type 2 Diabetes, you should have your first diabetic eye exam as soon as possible after diagnosis.

However, these are general guidelines. There are two other things to consider. One is the sooner diabetic retinopathy is detected by your eye doctor, the sooner it can be managed, and more of your vision could be saved. The other is that if you experience any symptoms of deteriorating eye health from diabetes, you should see your eye doctor immediately, no matter when you were diagnosed or even if you’ve yet to be diagnosed.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

  • Pressure or pain in the eye
  • Seeing flashing lights or “sparkles”
  • Dark spots or missing patches in your field of vision
  • Increase in number of floaters (moving spots or lines)
  • Seeing red streaks in your field of vision
  • Sudden worsening of night vision
  • Sudden double vision
  • Sudden blurred vision

All of these could be signs of diabetic retinopathy, and indicate that you should have a diabetic eye exam as soon as possible.

To schedule yourdiabetic eye exam in Falls Church, VA, contact our office today to book your appointment. The sooner that diabetic retinopathy is detected, the better outcome for your eyesight.

3 Changes to Make Today to Lower Your Risks of Macular Degeneration  

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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most concerning eye diseases. The condition is progressive, and there is no cure; there are only methods of slowing progression. While we offer macular degeneration services in Falls Church, VA, taking preventative steps before diagnosis is always a good plan. Take a look at a few things you can do differently starting today that can lower your risks of macular degeneration.

1. Adopt a Healthy Diet

Your diet plays a large role in your overall risks of AMD. Include food choices and ingredients in your everyday diet that are rich in valuable nutrients, including antioxidants, important vitamins, and vital minerals. Dark, leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids can support eye health and reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

2. Exercise Regularly

Engage in regular physical activity, as it promotes overall well-being and health, including your eye health. Exercise contributes to good blood circulation throughout the body, which is essential for maintaining healthy eyes and reducing the risk of AMD.

3. Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

UV exposure is directly related to the risks of AMD development. Therefore, work to protect your eyes from the sun. Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. This is a simple yet effective way to prevent damage to the eyes and lower the risk of macular degeneration.

Discuss Visual Health with a Falls Church, VA Eye Doctor

Discussing your visual health with an eye doctor in Falls Church, VA, is essential for early detection and management of eye-related issues. At Nova Vision Center, our experienced team is dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care services. Schedule an appointment today to prioritize your eye health and reduce the risks associated with macular degeneration.