CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with diabetes face a higher risk of vision loss and eye diseases, but many cases can be prevented through early detection and treatment.

Dr. Spencer Adams, an ophthalmologist with Eye-Q Vision Care, said two common vision-threatening conditions he sees in patients are glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

“Diabetic retinopathy, which is the condition where people can actually start to bleed in the back of their eye due to complications from diabetes,” Adams said.

Dr. Adams said diabetic complications can cause people to gradually lose vision over time without realizing it.

“Unless you’re getting checked out with a dilated eye exam at least once a year, then you may not know that you’re losing vision until it’s too late. Then we can only salvage what’s left instead of preventing any further loss,” Dr. Adams said.

In addition to regular eye exams, Dr. Adams recommends maintaining a healthy, varied diet to help protect vision.

He said leafy green vegetables and increased fish oils can benefit not only vision, but also the eye’s surface.

“So dry eye issues, ocular surface disease and pain — the more lubricated your body is, the better your eyes are going to feel long term,” Dr. Adams said.

Dr. Adams also advised people who wear contact lenses not to sleep in them, including during naps.

“When you sleep in your contacts, the oxygen level in your eye gets much lower, and people can actually be at risk for vision-threatening infections. It’s always good to have a backup pair of glasses,” Dr. Adams said.

For people unsure whether they may need glasses, Dr. Adams said certain symptoms can be signs that it is time for an eye exam and a prescription.

“Oftentimes, that eye fatigue or that feeling at the end of the day that you just tired yourself out looking at your computer, your screen can be a sign that maybe, though, you did well without glasses prior to this. It’s time to consider getting an actual customized prescription for glasses,” Dr. Adams said.

Dr. Adams said one of the most important steps people can take to protect their eye health is to visit an eye doctor annually for a complete eye exam to help identify any potential risks for disease.

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