Living with diabetes means more than monitoring blood sugar. For patients in Virginia Beach, it’s about watching for early signs in places you might not expect — like your skin and eyes. One patient told us her eyes felt “scratchy all the time” and her hands were so dry they cracked with every cold snap — turns out, both were early signs her glucose levels were off. These signals may seem small, but they often speak volumes.
How Diabetes Impacts Skin and Eye Health
Diabetes affects your body’s smallest blood vessels, which includes those in the retina and skin. Over time, high blood sugar can lead to dry eyes, itchy skin, and poor healing. That’s why patients with diabetes often notice eye irritation or flaky skin before they feel other symptoms.
At Morgan Vision Care, we’ve seen firsthand how these two systems reflect overall health. Changes in your vision or skin texture might be the first sign that your diabetes isn’t fully controlled — and catching it early can prevent long-term complications.
Common Diabetic Eye and Skin Symptoms
People with diabetes often experience both ocular discomfort and dermatological issues. You may be dealing with diabetic dry eye or skin-related symptoms if you notice:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- A gritty or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Redness and excessive tearing
- Dry, flaky, or itchy skin
- Cracks or slow-healing cuts
- Sensitivity to temperature changes
These symptoms tend to flare up in the fall and winter — especially in Virginia Beach, where colder months bring drier indoor air and increased screen time.
Why Diabetics Are More Prone to Dry Eyes and Skin Irritation
Both the tear film on your eyes and the outer layer of your skin depend on healthy oil glands and balanced hydration. Diabetes can interfere with both. Poor tear quality leads to evaporative dry eye, while reduced skin moisture increases the risk of irritation and infection.
For older adults managing type 2 diabetes — a common demographic in the Hampton Roads area — these effects can compound. And because symptoms often appear gradually, they’re easy to overlook until they become chronic.
Early Eye Exams Make a Big Difference
Our comprehensive eye exams go beyond prescription updates. At Morgan Vision Care, our eye doctor, Dr. Morgan, carefully checks for signs of diabetic retinopathy, dry eye disease, and other conditions that show up early in diabetic patients — often before symptoms cause discomfort.
In the next section, we’ll explore how to protect your eyes and skin, when to seek help, and what treatment options are available right here in Virginia Beach.
When to See an Eye Doctor for Diabetic Symptoms
If you have diabetes and notice persistent eye irritation or skin issues, don’t wait for your next annual checkup. Early symptoms like blurry vision, red eyes, or dry patches of skin may seem minor — but they can point to underlying problems that are easier to manage when caught early.
At Morgan Vision Care in Virginia Beach, we recommend scheduling an exam if you experience:
- Vision that comes and goes
- Burning, stinging, or watering eyes
- New skin rashes or irritation
- Delayed healing from small skin wounds
- Increased light sensitivity
By addressing these issues together — not separately — we can help you protect your overall health and avoid complications that affect your comfort and quality of life.
Managing Diabetic Eye and Skin Health Together
The good news? You don’t have to treat these conditions in isolation. In fact, eye and skin health can often be improved with the same strategies:
- Stay hydrated: Proper hydration supports tear production and skin moisture.
- Control blood sugar: Stable glucose levels reduce inflammation across the board.
- Use gentle, non-irritating products: Avoid harsh soaps or preservatives in drops and lotions.
- Protect against environmental stressors: Wear sunglasses outdoors and moisturize regularly.
Diabetic patients often benefit from dry eye treatments, like artificial tears, warm compresses, or prescription drops. If we identify signs of diabetic retinopathy or meibomian gland dysfunction, we may recommend more advanced options, including in-office therapies.
How Morgan Vision Care Helps Virginia Beach Diabetics
At Morgan Vision Care, we take a whole-person approach to eye care — especially when it comes to diabetes-related symptoms. Dr. Troy Morgan offers comprehensive eye exams that not only detect visual changes but assess the health of the retina, tear film, and optic nerve.
We also work closely with patients to track changes over time. That includes:
- Monitoring for early diabetic eye disease
- Managing symptoms of dry eye syndrome
- Offering tailored frame fittings to reduce discomfort from light sensitivity
- Coordinating with other providers when needed
Our Virginia Beach patients trust us not just because we treat eyes — but because we treat people.
Don’t Let Dry Eyes or Itchy Skin Disrupt Your Life
If you’re living with diabetes, your eyes and skin aren’t just along for the ride — they’re often the first to signal that something needs attention. At Morgan Vision Care, we recognize those signs early and help you take action before minor discomfort becomes a major concern.
Protect your vision, care for your skin, and feel confident knowing you’re in expert hands. Schedule your diabetic eye exam in Virginia Beach to get started and find lasting relief.