Living with diabetes already means managing your diet, checking your numbers, and staying on top of your overall health. But for many in Norfolk, VA, eye health doesn’t make it to the top of the list—until it’s too late. At Envision Ghent Optometry, we want every diabetic patient in our community to know: vision loss is not inevitable. It’s preventable.
Did you know that diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults aged 20 to 74? It's true—and that risk increases when eye care is overlooked. Norfolk’s population includes thousands of people living with diabetes, and with growing health concerns across the region, awareness and education are more important than ever. Whether you're a young adult recently diagnosed or a senior managing type 2 diabetes for years, your eyes need specific, proactive care.
How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
High blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina—the part of the eye responsible for detecting light and sending visual information to your brain. This condition is known as diabetic retinopathy, and in its early stages, there may be no symptoms at all. Without routine care, vision can suddenly decline, and in severe cases, result in permanent loss.
Other eye conditions linked to diabetes include:
- Diabetic macular edema (DME) – swelling in the retina that distorts vision.
- Glaucoma – increased pressure in the eye that damages the optic nerve.
- Cataracts – clouding of the eye’s lens that happens earlier in diabetics.
These risks grow with time, but early detection can delay—or even prevent—serious damage. That’s why routine diabetic eye exams are essential.
Why Norfolk Needs to Pay Attention
In a coastal city like Norfolk, where health disparities persist and access to care can vary, the stakes are high. Communities of color, in particular, experience higher rates of diabetes—and are more likely to experience vision-related complications. Add in long work hours, limited transportation, or the daily hustle of balancing family responsibilities, and it’s easy to see why many patients delay eye exams.
But the truth is simple: waiting costs you your vision. And early signs of diabetic eye disease can only be caught by a professional—not by symptoms alone. That’s why we urge every diabetic patient in Norfolk to make routine eye care part of their ongoing health management.
What to Expect During a Diabetic Eye Exam
A diabetic eye exam at Envision Ghent Optometry goes far beyond checking your glasses prescription. We use advanced retinal imaging and dilation to evaluate the health of your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. These exams help us detect early changes before you notice anything—and before vision loss occurs.
We also take time to discuss your blood sugar history, blood pressure, and lifestyle. Because your eyes don’t exist in isolation—they’re a direct reflection of your overall health.
How to Protect Your Eyes If You Have Diabetes
Here’s what we recommend to our Norfolk patients with diabetes:
- Get a comprehensive eye exam every year, even if you don’t wear glasses or contacts.
- Keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control—your retina will thank you.
- Report any changes in vision immediately, such as blurry spots, floaters, or dark areas.
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses, even on cloudy days. Diabetes increases light sensitivity.
- Eat for eye health—leafy greens, fatty fish, and colorful fruits help reduce oxidative stress.
Did You Know?
- Nearly 1 in 3 people with diabetes don’t know they have early eye damage.
- Vision loss from diabetes can begin as early as your 30s—but annual exams can catch it early.
- Controlling blood sugar reduces the risk of retinopathy by up to 76%.
- Diabetic eye disease often has no symptoms until damage is advanced.
Take the First Step—Protect Your Vision Today
At Envision Ghent Optometry in Norfolk, we believe diabetic eye care is not optional—it’s essential. If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms to show up. Let’s get ahead of it together.
Schedule your diabetic eye exam today. We’re here to help protect your vision and your future.