Diabetic Eye Exam

Diabetes is a condition that has a significant impact on many parts of the body, including the eyes. It raises your chances of developing eye problems including glaucoma and cataracts. The development of diabetic retinopathy is the greatest worry for eye health in patients with diabetes. Over 100 million people in the United States alone have diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Diabetic eye examinations can assist in the protection of your eyes and vision. Our optometrists can detect diabetes-related problems and provide proper solutions to manage symptoms before it is too late and can cause you permanent vision impairment.

Diabetic retinopathy is more common in people with uncontrolled blood sugar levels, but even those with well-controlled diabetes remain at risk.

 

Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms

Diabetic retinopathy might be asymptomatic in its early stages. The first signs and symptoms may be inconspicuous or moderate. The disease can deteriorate over time, leading to partial and later complete blindness.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see an eye doctor immediately:

  • blurry vision
  • frequently changing vision (sometimes from day to day)
  • dark areas or vision loss.
  • poor color vision.
  • spots or dark strings (also called floaters)
  • flashes of light.

When do I need a diabetic eye exam?

For Type 1 diabetes: Schedule an eye exam within five years of being diagnosed.

For Type 2 diabetes: Schedule an eye exam immediately following your diagnosis. This kind of diabetes is frequently identified years later, making early detection of potential retinal impairment crucial.

Pregnant women with diabetes: Schedule eye exam within the first three months of their pregnancy, and then again one year postpartum.

Frequently Asked Questions