Diabetes affects more than just blood sugar – it can also have a serious impact on your vision. November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, a time to remind everyone living with diabetes to take steps to protect their eyesight. Early detection and regular eye exams are key to preventing vision loss and maintaining lifelong eye health.

At WhidbeyHealth, we’re committed to helping you see clearly for years to come through comprehensive diabetes management and coordinated eye care. Just last month, WhidbeyHealth acquired a local ophthalmology practice (formerly Island Eye Care) to keep those services accessible to the residents of Whidbey Island. WhidbeyHealth Eye Care & Surgery will maintain existing offices both in Oak Harbor and Freeland.

Understanding Diabetic Eye Disease

High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the part of your eye that senses light and sends images to your brain. This can lead to several eye conditions, including:

  • Diabetic Retinopathy: the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes.
  • Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): swelling in the retina that can cause blurred vision.
  • Cataracts and Glaucoma: can develop earlier and progress faster in people with diabetes.

The good news? Most diabetic eye diseases can be detected early and treated effectively, especially when monitored regularly.

 Care That Helps You See the Whole Picture

WhidbeyHealth offers a team-based approach to help patients manage every aspect of their diabetes care:

  • Routine Diabetes Screenings to help detect early warning signs.
  • Care Coordination with local eye specialists for annual diabetic eye exams and advanced treatment when needed.
  • Education and Nutrition Support to help manage blood sugar and reduce risk of complications.

Don’t Wait to Protect Your Vision

If you have diabetes, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year – even if your vision seems fine. Early detection can prevent or slow vision loss and keep you seeing clearly for life.

WhidbeyHealth is here to support you every step of the way, from managing your diabetes to connecting you with trusted eye care professionals.

Learn more online about our ophthalmologist, Robert Johnson, MD, or visit our Diabetes Care or Eye Care webpages.