Diabetic Eye Exam

How does diabetes affect eye health?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that involves your body’s ability to convert sugar from your diet into the energy you need to function. When diabetes isn’t properly controlled, and sugar levels in the blood remain high, it can lead to a number of chronic health issues, including eye disease.

Diabetic retinopathy is a disease that develops when diabetes weakens the blood vessels in your eye. The weakened vessels allow fluid to leak into your retinal area, and new blood vessels may form. These vessels may not function properly and make your condition worse.

Initially, you may not have any symptoms of diabetic retinopathy. For this reason, routine diabetic eye exams are important. Gradually, symptoms become more noticeable as your vision blurs, or you start losing some of the vision. Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy can lead to permanent blindness.

What’s involved in a diabetic eye exam?

During your diabetic eye exam at Astorino & Associates Eye Center, your provider evaluates your eye health through an ocular health check. They check all areas of the eye, including the retina, for early signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Astorino & Associates Eye Center uses the latest diagnostic equipment to view the back of your eye. You can expect to receive eye drops before your exam that dilate your pupils, allowing your provider to see your retina.

During the exam, your provider uses specialized instruments and a bright light to view the inner structures of your eye.

How often do I need a diabetic eye exam?

As soon as you receive a diabetes diagnosis, you should schedule a consultation at Astorino & Associates Eye Center. Your provider can discuss your general health and evaluate your eyes for early signs of diabetes-related issues during your initial evaluation.

If you have type 1 diabetes, you should have an annual diabetic eye exam. If you have type 2 diabetes, you should also receive yearly exams. But, if you have poorly managed diabetes or you have a diabetes-related eye condition, you may need more frequent visits to preserve your eye health.

For some people that are at risk for diabetes due to a poor diet or obesity, eye problems may begin even before a diabetes diagnosis. For this reason, it’s important to always report any eye issues or vision changes to your provider at Astorino & Associates Eye Center as soon as possible.

With early detection, your provider can reduce the likelihood that you experience permanent vision changes or blindness. Additionally, they evaluate your overall health and your treatment for diabetes if you’re already showing signs of eye damage.

To set up a diabetic eye exam, call Astorino & Associates Eye Center today or request an appointment online now.