November is National Diabetes Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes and the importance of regular health checkups, including eye exams. If you have diabetes, caring for your eyes should be a top priority. Diabetes can silently damage your vision before you notice any symptoms, making early detection through routine eye care essential to maintaining healthy sight.

How Diabetes Affects the Eyes

Diabetes can cause several eye conditions collectively known as diabetic eye disease. These include:

• Diabetic Retinopathy:
  The most common form of diabetic eye disease, retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina. Over time, this can lead to blurred vision, floaters, and even permanent vision loss if left untreated.
• Diabetic Macular Edema (DME):
  When fluid builds up in the macula—the part of your eye responsible for sharp, central vision—swelling can distort vision and make everyday tasks like reading or recognizing faces difficult.
• Cataracts and Glaucoma:
  People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at an earlier age and have an increased risk for glaucoma, both of which can contribute to vision loss if not properly managed.

The Power of a Comprehensive Eye Exam

The good news? Diabetic eye disease is often preventable and treatable—especially when caught early. That’s why a comprehensive dilated eye exam is one of the most effective tools for protecting your vision.

During your exam, the doctors at Bissell Eye Care will:

• Examine the retina and optic nerve for signs of damage
• Check for swelling, bleeding, or new blood vessel growth
• Monitor changes in your prescription or overall eye health

Even if your vision seems fine, early retinal changes can occur without noticeable symptoms. Regular monitoring allows your doctor to detect and treat issues before they progress.

Everyday Tips for Healthy Eyes with Diabetes

Protecting your eyes goes hand-in-hand with managing your overall health. Here are a few ways to support your vision every day:

• Keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control
• Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s
• Exercise regularly to improve circulation and eye health
• Avoid smoking, which increases the risk of diabetic complications
• Schedule yearly eye exams—or more often if recommended by your doctor

See the Difference Regular Care Can Make

At Bissell Eye Care, we’re dedicated to helping patients with diabetes preserve their sight and enjoy clear, healthy vision for years to come.

If you have diabetes or have recently been diagnosed with the disease, now is the perfect time to schedule a comprehensive diabetic eye exam. Early detection is the key to preventing vision loss—and taking charge of your eye health is one of the best ways to recognize National Diabetes Month.

Call 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444 today to schedule your comprehensive eye exam.

About Bissell Eye Care: John D. Bissell, OD, is the owner of Bissell Eye Care, proudly serving the Northern Pittsburgh and Alle-Kiski Valley regions. Dr. Bissell has received advanced training through the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, enabling him to help patients living with vision impairment and low vision challenges. With two convenient office locations and evening appointments available, Bissell Eye Care offers comprehensive eye exams for the entire family—starting as young as six months. Our services include ocular disease detection and treatment, prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, specialty activewear eyewear, contact lenses, and dedicated low vision evaluations for those with significant vision impairment and vision loss. We accept most vision and health insurance plans. To learn more, visit bisselleyecare.com or call our Bakerstown office at 724-443-6767 or our Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.