Diabetic Eye Exams and How They Protect Your Sight

A diabetic eye exam checks your eyes for damage from diabetes. It can find problems early, before you notice any change in your vision.

If you have diabetes, a yearly diabetic eye exam is one of the best ways to protect your sight.

Why a Diabetic Eye Exam Matters

People with diabetes face a higher risk of eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy, macular edema and cataracts. Left untreated, they can lead to lasting vision loss.

In a diabetic eye exam, your eye doctor looks for the changes diabetes can cause. Catching them early gives you the most options.

Eye Conditions Your Exam Looks For

Diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar can harm the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye.

Over time, these vessels can block, leak or grow new, weak vessels, and you may lose vision.

Macular edema. Fluid and protein collect in the macula, the part of the eye for central vision. The macula swells and distorts your sight, so reading or driving can become hard.

Cataracts. People with diabetes are more likely to get cataracts.

A cataract clouds the lens of the eye, and it can cause blurry vision, glare and trouble seeing at night. See cataract symptoms.

What Happens in a Diabetic Eye Exam

A diabetic eye exam is a series of tests. Your eye doctor will usually do these:

• Visual acuity test: This measures how clearly you see at different distances.

• Dilated eye exam: Drops widen your pupils so the doctor can see inside your eyes. See dilated eye exams.

• Tonometry: This measures eye pressure, which can point to glaucoma.

• Retinal exam: A special camera takes pictures of the back of your eye, including the retina, to look for diabetic retinopathy and other problems.

Finding damage early is the best way to prevent vision loss.

How Often to Go

The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes have a complete eye exam at least once a year. Your own schedule may differ, because it depends on your health, how long you have had diabetes and any eye conditions you already have.

For example, people with newly found diabetes or well-controlled blood sugar may need an exam once a year. If you have had diabetes longer, or you already have eye problems, you may need exams more often.

Some people go every six months. Your eye doctor will set the right schedule with you. You can read our guide to diabetic eye disease too.

How to Prepare

These steps help the visit go smoothly.

• Gather your medical history. Know when you were diagnosed, your current treatment and any complications.

• Bring a list of your medicines. Include over-the-counter products, supplements and vitamins.

• Tell us about changes. Mention any change in your vision or any eye symptoms.

• Expect dilation. Your vision may stay blurry for a few hours after the exam, so plan for a ride home if needed.

See our tips on preparing for your eye exam.

Treatment After the Exam

If your exam finds a problem, your eye care professional will make a plan with you. Treatment may include:

• Medication: Eye drops or other medicine can help manage a condition and protect your vision.
• Laser therapy: For diabetic retinopathy or macular edema, a laser can seal leaking vessels or stop new weak ones from growing.
• Surgery: For advanced retinopathy or cataracts, surgery may be advised to protect or restore vision. We may refer you to a specialist.

Follow your provider’s plan, and keep your follow-up visits.

Benefits of Regular Diabetic Eye Exams

A yearly diabetic eye exam gives you four things.

• Early detection: You find retinopathy and macular edema early, when care works best.

• Monitoring: If you already have an eye condition, exams help track it and adjust treatment.

• Protection: Timely care can help you avoid or slow vision loss, so you keep your independence.

• Peace of mind: You know where your eyes stand.

Diabetic Eye Exams FAQs

How often should I go?

The American Diabetes Association recommends one at least once a year. Your schedule may differ, depending on your health and any existing eye conditions.

What can the exam find?

It can find diabetic retinopathy, macular edema and cataracts. These are more common if you have diabetes.

How do these exams help prevent vision loss?

They find problems early, so treatment can start sooner. That may prevent or slow vision loss.

How do I prepare?

Gather your medical history and a list of medicines. Also, be ready to share any vision changes.

How are problems treated?

Treatment may include medication, laser therapy or surgery, depending on your condition.

Book your eye exam with Hindsight Eye Care today, or call (352) 399-5412. You can also learn about diabetes and eye health.