DIABETIC EYE EXAM
WHAT IS A DIABETIC EYE EXAM?
For a diabetic eye exam, our doctors place drops in the patients’ eyes to dilate the pupils allowing them to examine the overall health inside of the eye, especially the retinal vessels in the periphery.
In this eye exam, our doctors look through a magnifying glass with a bright light to be able to see the back of the eye and check for its health. The doctors will be able to see parts that can be damaged by diabetes such as:
- Blood vessels in the eyes
- The back of the eye
- The optic nerve area
WHY GOING TO A DIABETIC EYE EXAM?
Anyone who lives with diabetes produces less insulin hormone which elevates levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Having increased blood sugar levels increase the risk of eye conditions. It can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
A diabetic eye exam is the only way to diagnose diabetic retinopathy, which is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes. Chronic diabetes usually damages the small blood vessels in the retina and the back of the eye, which causes diabetic retinopathy.
Because the longer someone lives with diabetes the greater is the chance of developing diabetic retinopathy, it is important to do regular diabetic eye exams. Diagnose diabetic retinopathy early is the best way to control early symptoms and take appropriate measures to treat it.
If you have diabetes, you are encouraged to contact your eye care provider and get a diabetic eye exam.
AFTER YOUR DIABETIC EYE EXAM
As you had eye drops to dilate your eye during your eye exam, your vision will be blurry for about six hours. It will be harder to focus on activities requiring near vision such as reading.
When pupils are dilated, sunlight can be more damaging. You should wear sunglasses with UV protection until the effects of the eye drops dissipate.