By Dr. Mary Baker, O.D. | Overlake Family Vision | Bellevue, WA
A Message From Dr. Baker
If you’re one of my patients here in Bellevue, you’ve probably heard me say: your eyes tell us so much more than how well you can see.
As an optometrist who’s cared for our Bellevue community for years, I’ve seen firsthand how diabetes can quietly affect vision — often long before any symptoms appear. Many people walk into Overlake Family Vision seeing perfectly fine, and during a routine eye exam, we uncover early signs of diabetic retinopathy — a condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
That’s why I want to take a few moments to explain how diabetes affects your eyes, why eye exams matter, and what you can do right now to protect your vision.
How Diabetes Affects the Eyes
When blood sugar levels stay high, they damage the tiny blood vessels that nourish your retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye.
Over time, this damage can cause those vessels to leak, swell, or close off completely. In some cases, new but fragile blood vessels grow and bleed into the eye. This process is known as diabetic retinopathy, and it’s the leading cause of vision loss in adults with diabetes.
In addition to retinopathy, diabetes can also increase your risk of:
- Glaucoma (increased eye pressure that damages the optic nerve)
- Cataracts (clouding of the eye’s natural lens)
- Fluctuating vision caused by unstable blood sugar levels
Even if your vision seems clear, these changes can occur silently, making regular eye exams an essential part of diabetes management.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
There are two main stages of diabetic retinopathy:
- Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): This is the early stage, where blood vessels weaken and leak fluid into the retina. Vision may still appear normal, but changes are happening beneath the surface.
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): In this advanced stage, new abnormal blood vessels form and can leak or bleed into the eye, leading to scarring and potential retinal detachment — a serious condition that can cause permanent vision loss.
Why Regular Eye Exams Are So Important
I often tell my patients: “You might feel fine, but your eyes could be showing signs of diabetes long before you notice.”
That’s why a yearly diabetic eye exam is so important — even if your blood sugar is well controlled and you aren’t having any vision problems.
During your exam at Overlake Family Vision in Bellevue, we’ll:
- Use advanced imaging to examine your retina in detail
- Look for early signs of diabetic retinopathy and other eye changes
- Share what we see and explain your results clearly
- Coordinate with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist if needed
Early detection allows us to take action right away — often preventing serious vision loss. If you’ve been searching for an eye exam near me or an eye doctor in Bellevue who understands diabetes and vision, you’re in the right place.
How to Protect Your Vision When You Have Diabetes
Here are some of the most effective ways to protect your sight and keep your eyes healthy:
- Keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control. These are the biggest factors in preventing eye complications.
- Schedule yearly diabetic eye exams in Bellevue — or more often if recommended.
- Notice any vision changes, such as blurriness, dark spots, or fluctuating vision, and report them right away.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle: eat a balanced diet, stay active, and avoid smoking.
- Stay connected with your care team. When your optometrist, primary care doctor, and endocrinologist work together, we can better manage your overall eye health.
A Personal Reflection
One of the most rewarding parts of my work as a Bellevue optometrist is helping people save their vision before they even realize it’s at risk. I’ve seen patients come in feeling fine — and walk out with a deeper understanding of how powerful an eye exam truly is.
The truth is: diabetic retinopathy is preventable — but only if it’s detected early. If you have diabetes, please don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule your diabetic eye exam today. It’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your independence and quality of life.
At Overlake Family Vision, we provide compassionate, thorough care for patients with diabetes. Whether it’s your first eye exam or your yearly check-up, we’ll make sure you feel informed, comfortable, and confident about your eye health.
Protect your sight and prioritize your health.
Warmly,
Dr. Mary Baker, O.D.
Your Bellevue Optometrist
Overlake Family Vision
