DIABETIC EYE EXAM
Patients with diabetes should get a diabetic eye exam yearly to protect their sight.
DIABETIC EYE EXAMS
The most common side effect of diabetes is vision loss. The disease attacks the small blood vessels in the back of the eye, when these vessels become damaged diabetic retinopathy occurs. It is very important that patients with diabetes come in for yearly and follow-up exams. ​
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How Diabetes affects the eye.
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Greater Risk of Glaucoma.
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Greater Risk of Cataracts.
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Development of Diabetic Retinopathy.
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Diabetes can also damage nerves that control eye movement leading to double vision.
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Conditions like pink eye and styes are more common.
What to expect during a Diabetic Eye Exam
As part of the routine eye exam, the technician will take baseline measurements of your eyes which includes baseline prescription, intra-ocular pressure, and photos of the back of the eye. Patients with diabetes will be dilated to give the Doctor a better view of the inside of the eye. While a patient is dilating, technicians may administer more testing. During the exam with the Doctor, they will exam all parts of the eye, check for any differences in prescription, and check for any disease progression. All images, scans, and notes are archived for comparison in the future. After the exam, patients may have sensitivity to light and close-up reading may be difficult. It is recommended that patients wear sunglasses after the exam.
It is vital that patients with diabetes come in for yearly exams, follow up with their Doctor if needed, and maintain proper blood sugar levels.
