November is National Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month: Protect Your Vision with Central Family Eyecare in Oklahoma City

As the leaves turn and cooler weather settles in, November brings more than just Thanksgiving preparations—it's also National Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. This important observance, championed by organizations like Prevent Blindness and the American Diabetes Association, shines a spotlight on how diabetes can silently threaten your eyesight. If you or a loved one lives with diabetes, understanding diabetic eye disease could be the key to preserving clear vision for years to come.

At Central Family Eyecare in Oklahoma City, we believe knowledge is power when it comes to eye health. Our eye doctor, Beth Hart-Carlock, OD, and our team of dedicated staff are committed to helping Oklahoma families stay ahead of diabetes-related vision risks. Whether you're managing Type 1, Type 2, or even gestational diabetes, regular eye exams at our office can catch issues early—before they steal your sight. Let's dive into what you need to know about diabetic eye disease, why it's a big deal, and how Central Family Eyecare Oklahoma City can support your journey to healthier eyes.

What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?

Diabetic eye disease isn't just one problem—it's a group of conditions that affect the eyes due to high blood sugar levels over time. The most common culprit is diabetic retinopathy, where the tiny blood vessels in your retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye) get damaged. This can lead to leaks, swelling, or even abnormal new blood vessels that cause bleeding and scarring. Other related issues include:

• Diabetic macular edema (DME): Swelling in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision—think reading, driving, or recognizing faces.

• Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's lens, which diabetes can speed up.

• Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure that damages the optic nerve. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma.

The scary part? These conditions often sneak up without warning. Early on, you might not notice a thing, but by the time symptoms hit, damage may already be underway.

The Alarming Stats: Why Awareness Matters Now

Diabetes is on the rise, and so are the risks to our eyes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 37 million Americans have diabetes, and about 88 million more have prediabetes —and many are unaware. Here's what the numbers tell us about diabetic eye disease:

In the U.S., 9.6 million people—about 1/4th of all people with diabetes—has diabetic eye disease. This percentage increases with the number of years someone has diabetes. Your risk for diabetic eye disease after living with diabetes for 30 years or more increases to 90%. Vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy affects about 1.84 million diabetics, and it is the leading cause of new blindness in the U.S.

These figures hit close to home in Oklahoma, where diabetes rates are higher than the national average. But here's the good news: Up to 90% of vision loss from diabetic eye disease is preventable with early detection and good management. That's where diabetic eye exams in Oklahoma City come in—as your first line of defense.

Spotting the Signs: Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

In the beginning, diabetic retinopathy symptoms might be nonexistent, which is why routine check-ups are non-negotiable. As the disease progresses, watch for:

• Blurry or fluctuating vision that comes and goes.

• Floaters—those pesky dark spots or strings drifting in your field of view.

• Difficulty seeing colors or contrasts.

• Dark or empty areas in your vision.

• Flashes of light, especially at night.

If you're pregnant or have high blood pressure alongside diabetes, your risk jumps even higher. Don't wait for these signs—sudden changes in vision mean it's time to call Dr. Beth Hart-Carlock immediately.

Prevention Is Your Best Bet: Simple Steps to Safeguard Your Sight

You can't always outrun genetics or a diabetes diagnosis, but you can slow or stop diabetic eye disease in its tracks. The National Eye Institute and CDC recommend these everyday habits:

• Control your blood sugar: Aim for an A1C under 7% (talk to your primary care doctor about your target). This alone can slash your retinopathy risk by up to 76%.

• Manage blood pressure and cholesterol: Keep them in check with diet, meds if needed, and regular monitoring.

• Stay active and eat smart: 30 minutes of walking most days, plus plenty of veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins, helps everything from your heart to your eyes.

• Quit smoking: It doubles your glaucoma risk and worsens retinopathy.

• Get annual dilated eye exams: This gold-standard test lets doctors see the back of your eye for early warning signs.

For those newly diagnosed with Type 1 or 2 diabetes, get an eye exam right away.

Treatment Options: Hope on the Horizon

If diabetic eye disease is caught early, treatments can halt progression and save your vision. Options include:

• Anti-VEGF injections: Meds like those reduce swelling and leaky vessels.

• Laser therapy: Seals leaks and shrinks abnormal blood vessels without surgery.

• Vitrectomy: A quick procedure to remove blood or scar tissue from the eye.

• Steroids or other meds: For stubborn diabetic macular edema.

At Central Family Eyecare, we partner with retinal specialists for advanced care, ensuring you get personalized treatment plans. Remember, no treatment reverses damage fully, but early action keeps things from worsening.

Why Choose Central Family Eyecare in Oklahoma City?

Living with diabetes doesn't mean living in fear of vision loss. At Central Family Eyecare Oklahoma City, we're your local experts in diabetic eye care. Our state-of-the-art clinic offers comprehensive diabetic retinopathy screenings, cutting-edge diagnostics, and compassionate support tailored to busy Oklahoma families. We've helped countless patients in the OKC area spot issues early and get back to enjoying life—whether that's cheering at Thunder games or chasing grandkids at the park.

As National Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month reminds us, your eyes deserve attention now, not later. Schedule your dilated eye exam today with Dr. Beth Hart-Carlock by visiting centralfamilyeyecare.com or calling (405) 876-6393.

Let's make vision protection a family affair this November. Tag a friend with diabetes below, share your eye health tips, and follow Central Family Eyecare on Facebook and Instagram for more life-saving advice. Your future self (and eyesight) will thank you.

Sources: National Eye Institute, CDC, Prevent Blindness, American Diabetes Association. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.