You might think of your annual eye exam as just a prescription check — but it could be one of the first steps in detecting serious health conditions like diabetes.
At hisMarlborough office, Steven Rafalowsky O.D. uses advanced diagnostic technology to look beyond vision correction and assess overall eye health. During a comprehensive exam, he can often detect early signs of diabetes before patients even realize something is wrong. That’s because diabetes affects the tiny blood vessels that nourish the eyes, and the retina provides a unique window into those changes.
How Eye Exams Reveal Diabetes
During a dilated eye exam, Dr. Rafalowsky examines the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. When blood sugar levels are elevated, small retinal vessels can become fragile, swollen, or begin leaking fluid, leading to early diabetic retinopathy. These changes are usually painless and may not affect vision right away, but they’re visible through retinal imaging.
By identifying these signs early, Dr. Rafalowsky can alert patients to the possibility of diabetes and coordinate care with their primary physician. This proactive approach helps prevent complications such as blurred vision, retinal damage, or even loss of vision later on.
Why Regular Eye Exams Are Essential for Detecting Diabetes Early
Many people assume their eyes will warn them when something’s wrong, but in the case of diabetes, vision changes often appear only after damage has already begun. Because the eyes are filled with small, delicate blood vessels, they can reveal the earliest effects of high blood sugar — sometimes before other symptoms appear anywhere else in the body.
That’s why regular eye exams play such a vital role in whole-body health. During these visits, Dr. Rafalowsky looks for subtle signs like swelling, bleeding, or leaking fluid at the back of the eye — changes that are invisible without specialized equipment. These findings can help patients receive a diabetes diagnosis sooner and begin treatment before complications occur.
What to Watch For Between Eye Exams
Even with consistent care, it’s important to be alert to changes in your vision or eye comfort. Contact Dr. Rafalowsky promptly if you notice:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Dark or blank spots in your sight
- Sensitivity to light
- Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
These symptoms may indicate diabetic retinopathy or another eye condition related to high blood sugar or blood pressure.
Protect Your Vision with Steven Rafalowsky O.D.
When it comes to diabetes, early detection is key. A comprehensive eye exam not only protects your vision but can also provide valuable clues about your overall health.
Steven Rafalowsky O.D. takes pride in helping his Marlborough and East Hampton patients understand what their eyes can reveal — and how preventive care can make all the difference.
If it’s been more than a year since your last comprehensive eye exam, schedule your appointment online. Taking that one simple step could help safeguard both your sight and your long-term health.
