The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and celebration—but for those living with diabetes, it’s also a time when managing your health becomes even more important. Between festive meals, travel, and changes to your daily routine, your blood sugar levels can fluctuate more than usual. These shifts can have a direct impact on your vision and overall eye health, making it essential to prioritize your diabetic eye exam before the holidays begin.
At Pendleton Eye Center, we’re dedicated to helping you protect your sight and prevent vision loss through proactive, specialized care. Our retina specialist, Nathan Rudometkin, M.D., emphasizes that early detection and regular monitoring are key to preserving vision for those living with diabetes.
How Diabetes Affects the Eyes
Diabetes can cause several serious eye conditions that may develop without obvious symptoms in their early stages. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, leading to vision problems or even permanent loss if left untreated
The most common diabetes-related eye conditions include:
- Diabetic Retinopathy: This occurs when high blood sugar damages the retina’s blood vessels, leading to bleeding, swelling, or scarring. It is one of the leading causes of blindness among adults.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): A complication of diabetic retinopathy where fluid builds up in the macula—the part of your retina responsible for sharp central vision—causing blurriness and vision distortion.
- Cataracts: Diabetes increases the risk of developing cataracts at a younger age, causing clouded or dim vision.
- Glaucoma: Elevated eye pressure associated with diabetes can damage the optic nerve, leading to gradual and irreversible vision loss.
The good news? Most diabetes-related eye damage can be detected early—and managed effectively—with a comprehensive diabetic eye exam.
Why You Should Schedule Your Eye Exam Before the Holidays
The holidays often bring changes in diet, sleep, and stress levels—all of which can affect your blood sugar and eye health. Scheduling your diabetic eye exam before the festivities ensures that any early signs of retinal damage are detected and treated promptly, so you can fully enjoy the season without worry.
A pre-holiday exam also helps your retina specialist track your progress and adjust your care plan if needed, especially if your glucose levels fluctuate during the holidays. Early detection not only preserves your vision but can also help prevent complications that could arise from uncontrolled diabetes.
Advanced Retinal Care with Dr. Nathan Rudometkin
At Pendleton Eye Center, you’re in excellent hands with Nathan Rudometkin, M.D., our board-certified retina specialist. Dr. Rudometkin is highly experienced in diagnosing and managing diabetic eye diseases using advanced imaging and treatment technologies. His patient-centered approach ensures that every patient receives personalized care designed to protect and preserve their vision.
Whether you’re experiencing vision changes or simply need your annual diabetic eye exam, Dr. Rudometkin and our team are here to guide you every step of the way.
Use Your FSA Benefits Before They Expire
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), the end of the year is the perfect time to make use of your remaining funds. FSA dollars can be used toward eye exams, diagnostic imaging, and other eligible eye care services—but remember, most FSA funds expire at the end of the year.
It’s a classic “use it or lose it” scenario, and we don’t want you to miss out on the opportunity to take care of your eyes while maximizing your benefits. Scheduling your exam now allows you to make the most of your FSA funds before they disappear.
Protect Your Vision This Holiday Season
Your eyesight is one of your greatest gifts—and protecting it should always be a priority, especially during the busy holiday season. Don’t wait until symptoms appear—by then, diabetic eye disease may already be advanced.
Call us at (760) 758-2008 or click below to schedule your diabetic eye exam with Pendleton Eye Center today and use your FSA funds before they expire!
See the season clearly, enjoy every holiday moment, and take the best step toward long-term vision health.
