When you have diabetes, it’s important to see an eye doctor on a regular basis. High blood sugar levels can damage your eyes and lead to serious conditions like diabetic retinopathy. For this reason, experts recommend regular eye exams for diabetics to detect issues early and improve treatment outcomes. Learn more about how diabetes affects your eyes and how often you should see an eye doctor if you have diabetes.
Why is a diabetic eye exam important?
Diabetes can cause a range of eye conditions that, if left untreated, may lead to permanent vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications, caused by damaged blood vessels in the retina. These damaged vessels can leak blood and fluid, causing vision problems.
Diabetes also increases the risk of developing cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens) and glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve that leads to vision loss). Because these conditions often develop gradually and don’t show noticeable symptoms right away, regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment.
How often should you get an eye exam if you have diabetes?
For people with diabetes, eye exams should be a regular part of your healthcare routine. Here’s what the general guidelines say about how often you should schedule an exam:
- Initial eye exam: If you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s essential to have an eye exam as soon as possible. Your eye doctor will examine your eyes for any signs of diabetic eye disease and establish a baseline for future exams.
- Annual eye exams: Once you’ve had your initial exam, it’s generally recommended that you have an eye exam every year. Even if you’re not experiencing any vision changes, an annual exam allows your optometrist to monitor your eye health, track any changes, and catch potential issues early.
- More frequent exams if needed: If your eye doctor notices any early signs of diabetic retinopathy or other eye conditions, they may recommend more frequent eye exams—potentially every six months or even more often—to closely monitor your condition.
Diabetic eye exams: What to expect
At Vision Salon Eye Care Associates, our diabetic eye exams in Blue Island, Illinois include everything you’d expect from a comprehensive eye exam, but they’re specially designed to catch diabetes-related eye issues. Our experienced doctors have committed additional hours of post-doctorate continuing education in diabetic eye care to ensure that we’re providing the latest and best individualized treatment options for our diabetic patients.
During your exam, our team will perform a variety of tests to assess your eye health, which may include:
- Dilated eye exam: We’ll use eye drops to widen your pupils, allowing us to get a better look at the retina and optic nerve to check for signs of diabetic retinopathy.
- Intraocular pressure test: Tonometry helps us screen for glaucoma by measuring the pressure within your eyes.
- Slit lamp exam: Using a specialized microscope, we will examine the structures at the front of your eyes for any cloudiness or abnormalities that could indicate a cataract.
- Visual acuity test: This test will help catch any vision changes that could happen as a result of diabetic eye disease.
In addition to regular eye exams, we work closely with your primary care doctor to ensure you’re managing your diabetes effectively. We believe in a collaborative approach to care and will communicate with your physician to provide you with the best treatment plan for both your diabetes and your eye health.
The KNOC out Diabetes Program: A holistic approach to diabetes care
At Vision Salon Eye Care Associates, we offer a comprehensive approach to diabetes management through our KNOC out Diabetes Program. This program is designed to teach you how to live well with diabetes while preserving your overall health, including your eyesight.
Our program offers:
- Healthy eating education: Learn how to prepare simple, nutritious dishes that support your diabetes management.
- Physical activity tips: Discover fun ways to stay active, including our popular line dancing classes!
- Early eye care: Learn how our leading-edge technology can help detect and treat vision problems related to diabetes before they worsen.
Most insurance plans cover our certified diabetes self-management education and support program, and we’re here to help you get started. Schedule your eye exam with us today and learn more about our program.
