Diabetic Eye Exams: What to Expect and Why They Are Essential
Originally published by Vitreoretinal Consultants of New York
Diabetes can affect multiple parts of the body, including the eyes. Excessive blood sugar can lead to diabetic retinopathy, which is caused by damaged blood vessels in the retina, as well as glaucoma and other eye issues. If you have diabetes, it’s crucial to get a diabetic eye exam at least once a year. Here’s what you need to know about diabetic eye exams and how you can schedule an appointment today.
The Importance of Diabetic Eye Exams
Diabetic eye exams are important because conditions like diabetic retinopathy usually do not show symptoms in the early stages. If you wait to seek treatment until you notice changes in your vision, there might already be irreversible damage. The earlier you are diagnosed with an eye condition, the sooner your retina specialist can treat it and prevent vision loss or slow disease progression.
While managing your diabetes lowers your risk of developing eye conditions, they aren’t 100% preventable. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss for people with diabetes. Additionally, having diabetes makes you 2 to 5 times more likely to develop cataracts and nearly doubles your risk of developing a type of glaucoma called open-angle glaucoma. Even if your blood sugars are in a healthy range, it’s important to keep tabs on your retinal health and get regular diabetic eye exams.
What to Expect During a Diabetic Eye Exam
A diabetic eye exam is part of a comprehensive eye exam conducted by an eye care professional. Before the exam, your doctor will dilate your eyes with eye drops. Once your pupils widen, which usually takes about 20 minutes, the eye care professional will assess your visual sharpness, depth perception, and eye movement. They will also examine the back of your eyes for signs of diabetic retinopathy. This eye exam typically takes no longer than 30 minutes and is not painful.
Schedule a Diabetic Eye Exam Today
Anyone with any type of diabetes is at risk for diabetic retinopathy and other serious eye conditions. To preserve as much vision as possible, it’s crucial to undergo a diabetic eye exam annually. At Vitreoretinal Consultants, our experienced retina specialists can diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your diabetic eye exam at one of our retina centers throughout New York, including Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, Manhattan, Queens, and Rockland County.