Diabetic Eye Exam Specialist

What can I expect during a diabetic eye exam?

When you come to Whitson Vision for a diabetic eye exam, Dr. Whitson and the team conduct a set of comprehensive tests using their state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. They screen for a series of potential eye diseases that occur as a result of diabetes so they can identify problems early and prescribe effective treatments to prevent the conditions from worsening or causing irreversible damage to your eyes and vision.

A diabetic exam includes advanced screening for:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Macular degeneration
• Retinal detachment
• Diabetic retinopathy

Our physicians also checks the overall health of your eyes and evaluates your vision and any trouble you may be having seeing clearly.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that affects people who have both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It develops when the blood vessels in your retina become damaged as a result of diabetes. The retina is the light-sensitive part of the back of your eye that allows you to focus on images and send messages to your brain.

If your retina deteriorates, you can lose your vision. The longer you live with diabetes, the more susceptible you are to developing diabetic retinopathy.

What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy usually progress slowly and worsen over time if left untreated. Common signs of the condition include:

• Blurred vision
• Changes in color perception
• Partial or total vision loss
• Floaters or dark “strings” in your line of sight
• Dark areas in your field of vision
• Trouble focusing
• Fluctuating vision prescriptions

Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes at the same time. If you experience any of these symptoms in either eye, a diabetic eye exam indicates the underlying cause.

How often should I get an eye exam if I have diabetes?

According to the American Diabetes Association, if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you should get a professional medical eye exam every year. Our physicians evaluate your eye health and your risk factors for developing diabetic eye diseases so they can recommend a regular exam schedule to monitor your eyes. Early detection of retinal abnormalities is the best way to keep diabetic eye conditions under control.

Making healthy lifestyle changes can also make an impact on how quickly diabetes affects your eyes. Learn more about what you can do to prevent vision loss by calling Whitson Vision or scheduling an appointment online today.