What are diabetic eye exams?
Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk for severe eye conditions that can significantly impact vision and overall quality of life. These conditions include glaucoma, macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetes, regular eye exams with a skilled eye doctor are instrumental in detecting and managing the vision complications that often accompany diabetes. Our experienced team at West County Ophthalmology offers the communities of Chesterfield and O'Fallon, MO diabetic eye exams so that patients can be diagnosed and treated for diabetic eye diseases before severe symptoms or irreparable damage to their eye structures affect their ability to see. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it is important that you establish regular appointments with a diabetic eye care specialist like the ones at West County Ophthalmology, who can help you preserve your vision health.
What Are the Benefits of Diabetic Eye Exams?
A diabetic eye exam is an essential component of comprehensive diabetes management, offering several significant benefits aimed at preserving vision and ensuring overall eye health. Through early detection and intervention, these exams can:
- Identify changes in the blood vessels of the retina: Early signs of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness among adults, can be detected and managed.
- Detect other eye conditions: Diabetic patients are at higher risk for glaucoma and cataracts, so regular exams help in early identification and treatment of these conditions.
- Monitor changes in vision: Diabetes can lead to fluctuations in vision; routine exams ensure that any changes are promptly addressed.
- Prevent vision loss: By catching and treating eye problems early, diabetic eye exams can significantly reduce the risk of severe vision impairment and blindness.
- Guide management of diabetes: Findings from eye exams can provide insights into how well diabetes is being controlled and prompt necessary adjustments in treatment.
Who Is a Candidate for A Diabetic Eye Exam?
A diabetic eye exam is essential for individuals diagnosed with diabetes, as they are at a higher risk for developing eye-related complications. Candidates typically include those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, regardless of whether they currently experience vision problems. It is recommended that individuals with diabetes have their first eye exam shortly after diagnosis and then at least once a year thereafter to monitor for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Additionally, pregnant women with diabetes or those experiencing changes in vision should prioritize regular eye examinations to ensure timely intervention and care.
How are diabetic eye exams performed?
Our expert team of vision professionals typically performs a series of different eye exams to check for the various complications that can come with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, such as the slit lamp exam and dilation (to look inside your eyes). These tests are designed to search for signs of diabetic eye complications like glaucoma, macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy, which may affect nearly 30% of diabetics. In addition to these exams, partnering with a primary doctor to help manage your blood sugar levels can help diminish the chances of future vision problems. Sometimes an ophthalmologist is able to detect signs of retinal damage before the patient is aware they have diabetes, so it is essential to have regular eye exams performed even if you have not been diagnosed.
Protect vision with diabetic eye exams
If you or a loved one has diabetes or is at risk for diabetes, regular appointments with an eye professional are crucial to preserving your eye health and preventing complications such as diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and glaucoma. Contact West County Ophthalmology to schedule a diabetic eye exam in Chesterfield or O'Fallon, MO.
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Diabetic Eye Exam FAQ?
What are some symptoms that diabetes is affecting the eyes?
Symptoms that diabetes may be affecting your eyes include:
- Blurred vision
- Flashes and/or floaters
- Dark areas of vision
- Changes in the color of your vision
How often should diabetics receive diabetic eye exams?
We suggest patients with Type 1 diabetes have their first diabetic eye exam within five years of their diagnosis, and that patients with Type 2 diabetes have it as soon as they are diagnosed. After the initial exam, we suggest both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics have diabetic eye exams yearly.
What is the difference between a diabetic eye exam and a routine eye exam?
These exams are very similar, however, we will examine the retinas and blood vessels in the eyes of diabetics much more closely.
