Can Diabetes Increase Your Risk of Developing Macular Degeneration?

Diabetes is well known for its effects on blood sugar, but it can also have important consequences for your eye health. While diabetic retinopathy is the eye condition most directly associated with diabetes, research suggests diabetes may also be associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), particularly in its later stages. At Bespoke Eye Care, we encourage patients with diabetes to understand these risks and make regular eye care part of their overall health routine.

Understanding Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula, the central portion of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. As AMD progresses, it can interfere with activities such as reading, driving, recognizing faces, and seeing fine details.

There are two primary forms of AMD. Dry AMD develops gradually as cells in the macula deteriorate. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood, potentially causing more rapid changes in central vision.

How Diabetes May Affect AMD Risk

At Bespoke Eye Care, we want our patients to understand that diabetes and age-related macular degeneration are two separate conditions. Having diabetes does not mean you will develop AMD, but diabetes can affect blood vessels and increase inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body, including in the eyes. These changes may help explain why some research has found a connection between diabetes and a higher risk of developing AMD.

We also consider other factors that can affect your risk, including age, family history, smoking, and cardiovascular health. Because every patient is different, regular eye exams give us the opportunity to monitor your retinal health and look for changes as early as possible.

Diabetes Can Affect the Retina in More Than One Way

People with diabetes should also be aware of diabetic retinopathy. Unlike AMD, diabetic retinopathy is directly related to diabetes and develops when prolonged high blood sugar damages small blood vessels within the retina.

Because multiple retinal conditions can affect vision, maintaining regular diabetic eye exams is especially important. Depending on your individual health and risk factors, an eye examination may help us look for:

•          Changes in retinal blood vessels associated with diabetic retinopathy

•          Early signs of macular degeneration

•          Swelling or fluid within the retina

•          Changes in the macula or optic nerve

•          Other eye diseases that may initially develop without noticeable symptoms

Protecting Your Vision When You Have Diabetes

Managing your overall health is an important part of protecting your eyes. Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol within the ranges recommended by your healthcare providers can support both systemic and eye health. Avoiding smoking, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and following your recommended eye exam schedule can also help you take a proactive approach.

At Bespoke Eye Care, diabetic-related eye exams allow us to evaluate the health of the retina and monitor for changes over time. Early detection gives us the opportunity to recommend appropriate follow-up care before an eye condition has a greater impact on your vision.

Schedule your diabetic eye exam with Bespoke Eye Care to protect your eye health and stay ahead of vision changes. Contact our office in Dallas, TX, by calling (972) 703-9070 to book an appointment today.