Imagine trying to enjoy a scenic view, but the window you're peeking through has random black ink splotches splattered across it. You squint, shift, and blink, but those blotches don’t budge. That’s what vision with diabetic retinopathy looks like.
Diabetic retinopathy is one of diabetes’ sneakier complications—creeping in quietly and often without symptoms at first. But don’t let its silent start fool you into thinking it’s harmless. In 2021, nearly 9.6 million Americans were diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, and close to 2 million were at serious risk of losing their vision altogether.
At Eastern Shore Eye Care, we help patients take back the lens—literally—by diagnosing, monitoring, and treating diabetic retinopathy with the latest technology and a personalized approach.
Your Retina: The Eye's Camera Sensor
Think of your eye as a high-end digital camera. The retina is the ultra-sensitive sensor at the back that captures every visual detail—light, movement, focus.
But high blood sugar acts like a virus in this high-end system. It attacks the delicate blood vessels that feed the retina, making them leak, swell, or close off completely. The result? A corrupted image—blurry, dotted with dark spots, and in severe cases, vision blackout. Just like a camera with a faulty sensor can’t produce a clear photo, a retina under attack from diabetes can’t deliver the crisp vision your brain needs.
Smart Habits to Defend Your Vision
The good news? You can fight back against the dreaded virus that tries to steal your sight. Here’s how:
- Balance that Blood Sugar – Keep your levels within your target range. Your eyes will thank you.
- Tame Blood Pressure & Cholesterol – These partners-in-crime can worsen eye damage.
- Move More – Health is wealth, and a regular brisk walk or light exercise keeps circulation flowing, including to your eyes.
- Eat the Rainbow – Leafy greens like kale and spinach, fruits rich in vitamin C like strawberries and oranges, and omega-rich foods like tuna and salmon are all eye-friendly foods
- Ditch the Smoke – Smoking speeds up diabetic complications. Kick it to the curb for your vision’s sake and your lungs will thank you too!
How Eastern Shore Eye Care Can Help
Our eye doctors offer a full suite of diabetic retinopathy care, including:
- Comprehensive Eye Exams to catch early warning signs.
- Advanced Imaging Technology to monitor and track changes in the retina.
- Custom Treatment Plans to address your unique health profile.
- Collaborative Care with your primary physician to manage diabetes holistically.
Your Vision Is Worth Protecting
Your eyesight is one of your most valuable senses—and it deserves expert protection. At Eastern Shore Eye Care in Fairhope, we’re here to help you see the world clearly and confidently.
Whether you’re a long-time patient or have been referred to us, we can promise you high quality care with every visit – just take a look at what one of our referred patients had to say:
“I highly recommend Eastern Shore Eye Care in Fairhope. They were referred to me by my physician and I was not disappointed. I was able to get an appointment right away. Parking was easy. Check-in was a breeze. They were in network with both my insurance companies. Every member of the staff was lovely: Bella, and Monica on the phone, Sarah at reception, Shana who ran the diagnostic testing. Dr. Montgomery was knowledgeable and caring. You’ll be happy to know that if you need glasses or sunglasses, they have a shop with top brands and chic designers: Oakley, Ray-Ban Maui Jim but more importantly… Tom Ford, Gucci, Chloe, Tiffany, D&G etc.” - Anna L.
Give Yourself the Gift of Clear Vision
Time is precious and so are your eyes and neither should be wasting away. For exceptional, intentional care schedule your diabetic eye exam and let’s protect your vision for the long haul.