Living with diabetes increases your risk for several health conditions, including serious eye diseases. At Michael L. Smookler, O.D., located in West Roxbury, we help patients understand how diabetes affects their vision and offer personalized care to protect long-term eye health.
How Diabetes Affects the Eyes
- Diabetes can harm the small blood vessels in your retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can silently progress and cause permanent vision loss.
- Elevated blood sugar also increases the likelihood of developing cataracts, glaucoma, macular edema, and fluctuating or blurred vision.
- If you're managing diabetes in West Roxbury, regular eye exams are critical—even if your vision feels normal.
Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
- Sudden changes in your vision
- Persistent blurriness or double vision
- Floaters or dark spots in your vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Eye pain or pressure
Our comprehensive eye exams can detect early signs of damage, giving you the best chance to preserve your vision.
Preventive Steps for Protecting Your Eyesight
- Get an annual diabetic eye exam with dilation.
- Keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in healthy ranges.
- Monitor changes in your vision and report symptoms early.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking.
- Work with the experienced team at Michael L. Smookler, O.D. to monitor and protect your ocular health.
Diabetic Eye Care at Michael L. Smookler, O.D.
Our team offers specialized diabetic eye care using advanced diagnostic tools that track even the smallest changes in your eye health. Visit our eye exams page to learn more about our approach to diabetic eye monitoring and disease prevention.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, we welcome you to explore our full range of eye care services and get the support you need.
Ready to take control of your vision? Visit our home page to schedule your diabetic eye exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should someone with diabetes have an eye exam?
A dilated eye exam should be performed once a year. If diabetic changes are detected, more frequent visits may be recommended. - Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed?
While full reversal isn’t always possible, early detection and treatment can halt or slow progression. - Does blurry vision always mean eye disease?
Not always. Blurry vision can be caused by high blood sugar or other factors. A proper diagnosis from Michael L. Smookler, O.D. will determine the cause.
Protect Your Vision—Act Early
Diabetes doesn’t have to lead to vision loss. With proactive care and regular checkups, you can safeguard your eyesight for years to come. If you're in West Roxbury, trust Michael L. Smookler, O.D. to provide expert, compassionate care tailored to your needs. Schedule your diabetic eye exam with Michael L. Smookler, O.D. in West Roxbury today.