By Contact Lens and Vision — serving patients across Woodbridge, New Jersey
Diabetes is common in New Jersey. It is one of the main causes of vision loss that can be prevented in adults.
The good news is that regular eye care and some good habits can help people find most eye problems from diabetes early. This helps manage them before they affect your vision.
Below, we’ve put together a patient-friendly “Did You Know?” guide you can share with friends and family in Woodbridge. Use it to spot risks sooner, book a diabetic eye exam, and keep your vision clear.
Shape
Did You Know? Quick Facts About Diabetes & Your Eyes
- Diabetes is a top cause of blindness in working-age adults. The most common culprit is diabetic retinopathy, where high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the back of the eye.
- You can have sight-threatening changes with no symptoms. Many people in early stages of retinopathy see perfectly well. That’s why annual dilated eye exams matter—even if your vision seems fine.
- A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol all affect your eyes. Keeping them in target range lowers your risk of retinopathy and diabetic macular edema (DME), a swelling that blurs central vision.
- Modern imaging sees “invisible” damage. Tools like OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and widefield retinal photos can detect tiny changes long before you notice vision issues.
- Pregnancy can accelerate diabetic eye changes. If you’re pregnant and have diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, or gestational), you may need more frequent eye exams throughout your pregnancy.
- Smoking and sleep apnea increase risk. Both can worsen blood vessel health and oxygen levels, speeding up eye damage.
- Early care is highly effective. Today’s treatments—from medication and laser therapies to careful co-management with your primary care or endocrinology team—preserve vision for most patients when caught early.
What to Watch For (and When to Call)
While routine visits with Contact Lens and Vision in Woodbridge are your best defense, call us promptly if you notice:
- Sudden or persistent blurry vision
- Dark spots, floaters, or flashes of light
- Wavy or distorted lines
- A dark “curtain” or blank areas in your field of view
- Eye pain, redness, or pressure that doesn’t improve
If you experience a sudden, dramatic change in vision, seek urgent care.
Your Annual Diabetic Eye Exam: What to Expect
At Contact Lens and Vision, a diabetic eye exam is tailored to catch the earliest signs of change:
- Medical & medication review (A1C, BP, cholesterol, pregnancy status, sleep apnea, smoking).
- Visual acuity & refraction to check how clearly you see and update your prescription.
- Pupil dilation for a thorough retinal evaluation.
- Retinal imaging (OCT & photos) to document and track microscopic changes.
- Personalized plan: We’ll coordinate with your doctor or endocrinologist, recommend follow-up intervals (often 6–12 months), and discuss lifestyle steps to protect your vision.
Tip for New Jersey patients: Bring your latest A1C and medication list. This helps us give you the most precise guidance during your visit.
Everyday Habits That Help Your Eyes
- Know your numbers. Work with your care team to keep A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol on target.
- Move more, eat well. Even modest activity and balanced meals support eye-healthy blood flow.
- Quit smoking. It’s never too late to improve vessel health.
- Use protective eyewear & manage screen time. Comfort matters—ask about blue-light-filter options and anti-reflective coatings if night glare or screens bother you.
- Keep routine appointments. Most vision loss from diabetes is preventable with consistent care.
Why Patients in Woodbridge Choose Contact Lens and Vision
- Local, coordinated care. We regularly share exam findings (with permission) with your New Jersey primary-care and endocrinology teams to keep everyone aligned.
- Advanced imaging on site. OCT and widefield photos help us find problems earlier—often before symptoms start.
- Clear next steps. Whether you need simple monitoring or specialty referral, we make it easy and convenient.
FAQ: Diabetes & Eye Health in New Jersey
How often should I have a diabetic eye exam?
Most adults with diabetes need a dilated eye exam every 12 months. Your doctor may recommend more frequent visits based on findings.
Is a “regular” vision test enough?
No. A diabetic eye exam includes retinal dilation and imaging that standard vision screenings may miss.
Will my insurance cover it?
Many medical plans cover diabetic eye evaluations. Our team at Contact Lens and Vision in Woodbridge can review your benefits and help you understand any costs before you’re seen.
What if my vision seems fine?
That’s common—even with early, active disease. Don’t skip your annual exam.