Diabetic Eye Exams

For diabetic patients, it is recommended to have eye exams regularly to protect their eyes from serious and potentially sight-threatening diseases. As many as 30% of people diagnosed with diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy, which is a condition where blood vessels in the eye begin to leak fluid and blood into the retina. It can lead to eye damage, and in severe cases, vision loss. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy is critical for a positive prognosis. Diabetic Macular Edema is also a concern for diabetic patients. This is a complication that stems from diabetic retinopathy and results from the swelling of the macula, which is the center of the retina. Since the macula is the part of the eye that is responsible for color and central vision, when it swells, it can lead to vision loss if the swelling is not addressed.

Early detection of diabetic retinopathy is critical for a positive prognosis. Diabetic Macular Edema is also a concern for diabetic patients. This is a complication that stems from diabetic retinopathy and results from the swelling of the macula, which is the center of the retina. Since the macula is the part of the eye that is responsible for color and central vision, when it swells, it can lead to vision loss if the swelling is not addressed.

How are Regular and Diabetic Eye Exams Different?

Although diabetic eye exams are similar to regular ones, the main focus is on the retina and blood vessels of the eye. The following steps are involved in a diabetic eye exam.

Pupil Dilation

All comprehensive eye exams involve dilation of the pupil. This gives a clinician a clear view of the inner structures of the eye, specifically the optic nerve, blood vessels, and retina. The dilation drops take about 30 minutes to work and it typically results in blurred vision and sensitivity to light, which subsides after a few hours.

Vision Test

A vision test is useful to examine whether you have any sight loss and requires you to identify letters on an eye chart, singling out one eye at a time.

What is the Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy?

The goal of treatment for diabetic retinopathy is to slow or halt it from progressing. The treatment will depend on the type of retinopathy, the severity of it, and how well your diabetes is controlled.

Keeping a Watchful Eye

If your retinopathy is not at a point where it requires intervention, yearly exams will be recommended to keep a watchful eye out for any changes.

Improving Lifestyle Choices

The better controlled your diabetes is, the better your retinopathy prognosis will be. If you manage your blood glucose effectively, you will be able to halt the progression of the disease.

Vision Assistance Devices

After you receive treatment and the healing process is complete, we treat any permanent vision loss with assistance devices, such as glasses or contacts.

What is the Prognosis for Diabetic Retinopathy?

Often treatment for diabetic retinopathy is successful, but it does not present a “cure.” Since diabetes is a chronic condition, it is possible that you can have it permanently. That means that it can affect your vision going forward.

The best way to control the disease is to stop its progression early, before it gets worse. That is why regular exams are so critical.

Prevention

It is always best to focus on prevention versus treatment. There are many lifestyle and other changes that you can make to prevent the complications from diabetes, including:

Schedule routine eye exams
Don’t miss appointments
If your vision changes, contact your doctor immediately
Quit smoking
Watch your weight
Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet

Diabetic Eye Exams

Location

Mt. Pleasant

Goose Creek

West Ashley