If you have diabetes, your blood sugar isn’t the only thing you should be watching closely. Your vision is at risk too. At Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center in Tupelo, we help diabetic patients stay ahead of sight-threatening conditions through early detection and advanced eye care.
Many people don’t realize they have diabetic eye disease until symptoms start to affect their daily life. The problem? By the time symptoms appear, damage may already be underway. That’s why knowing the signs—and getting regular eye exams—is essential.
Common Warning Signs of Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic eye disease can often develop without pain or obvious symptoms in its early stages, which is why many patients miss the signs until vision loss begins. But if you know what to watch for, you can catch these changes early and get the care you need. Below are three key symptoms that could indicate diabetic eye complications—and why they should never be ignored:
1. Blurry or Fluctuating Vision
Blurry vision is one of the most common early symptoms of diabetic eye disease. It can come and go as your blood sugar levels change. Over time, high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in your retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye), leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy.
If your vision blurs, worsens unexpectedly, or changes throughout the day, don’t wait. Even if you already wear glasses, this could signal an issue beyond just needing a new prescription.
2. Floaters, Flashes, or Blank Spots
Seeing floaters (tiny shapes that move across your vision), sudden flashes of light, or dark spots may indicate bleeding inside the eye or retinal damage—both of which are urgent symptoms. These signs can be linked to advanced diabetic retinopathy or retinal detachment, which requires immediate attention to prevent permanent vision loss.
At our Medicare-approved surgical eye center in Tupelo, our team is equipped to diagnose and treat these complications with precision and care.
3. Eye Pain, Pressure, or Difficulty Seeing at Night
People with diabetes are also at a higher risk for glaucoma, a disease that damages the optic nerve, and cataracts, which cloud the lens of the eye. If you feel eye pressure, discomfort, or notice trouble seeing at night (especially when driving), it’s time for an evaluation.
Our experienced team of ophthalmologists and optometrists uses the latest imaging and diagnostic tools to catch these issues early and recommend the right treatment—whether that’s medication, surgery, or a customized management plan.
Why Annual Eye Exams Are Non-Negotiable for Diabetics
Even if your vision seems fine, diabetic eye disease can be silent in the early stages. That’s why the American Diabetes Association recommends a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year—more often if you’ve been diagnosed with retinopathy.
At Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center, we don’t just check your prescription. Our diabetic eye exams include:
- Dilated retina evaluation
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging
- Monitoring of blood vessel changes
- Coordination with your primary care or endocrinologist
We serve patients from Tupelo and the surrounding Northeast Mississippi region with the expertise and technology to protect your vision—today and for years to come.
When to Call the Eye Doctor Immediately
If you have diabetes and notice any of the following, contact us right away:
- Sudden or severe vision loss
- Flashes or floaters that appear suddenly
- A shadow or curtain over part of your vision
- Eye pain, pressure, or redness
- Trouble reading, focusing, or seeing clearly
These symptoms could signal a medical eye emergency—and fast care may save your sight.
Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam in Tupelo, MS
At Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center, our mission is simple: to provide exceptional care with advanced technology and a personal touch. Whether you're newly diagnosed or managing diabetes long-term, our team is here to support your eye health with compassion and clinical excellence.
Call us at 662-844-3555 or book your appointment online to protect your vision and enjoy the brilliance of every day.
