Diabetic Eye Care

Adults with type 2 diabetes should get a dilated eye exam at diagnosis. Those with type 1 diabetes should have their first exam within five years of diagnosis, or earlier if they have risk factors or poor blood sugar control. Most people with diabetes should have eye exams at least once a year, even if no problems are found and blood sugar is well controlled.

People with diabetes who become pregnant should have an eye exam before getting pregnant or early in the first trimester. Pregnancy can speed up retinopathy, so closer watching during pregnancy helps protect vision during this high-risk time. We coordinate care with your pregnancy doctor when needed.

Your diabetic eye exam includes checking your vision, measuring eye pressure, and examining all parts of your eye. We use special eye drops to widen your pupils so our eye doctors can see inside your eye. The complete exam usually takes about an hour, including time for your pupils to dilate. You may have blurred vision and light sensitivity for a few hours after.

We use state-of-the-art imaging to get detailed views of your eye health and track changes over time.

• Optical coherence tomography to measure macular thickness and detect fluid
• Fluorescein angiography to check blood flow and find areas of leakage
• Retinal photography to document changes over time
• Visual field testing to map your side vision
• Ultra-widefield imaging to see more of your retina

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retina's small blood vessels caused by diabetes. It ranges from mild changes to abnormal vessel growth and bleeding. It is a leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults but is highly manageable when detected early through regular eye exams.

Most people with diabetes should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, even if no problems are found. If you have diabetic eye disease or other risk factors, our eye doctors may recommend more frequent visits every three to six months. The schedule depends on your specific condition and how well controlled your diabetes is.

No, diabetic eye disease does not always lead to blindness. With early detection and proper treatment, most people can preserve their vision throughout their lives. The key is having regular eye exams and following your treatment plan consistently. Modern treatments are very effective when started early.

Diabetic eye exams are not painful, though the eye drops used to dilate your pupils may sting briefly. You may experience temporary blurred vision and light sensitivity for a few hours after your exam. Most patients find the process comfortable and straightforward. The temporary discomfort is worth the protection it provides.

Most people feel pressure rather than pain because we use anesthetic drops and antiseptic before the injection. The injection itself takes only seconds. Mild irritation the day of treatment is common and typically goes away quickly. Many patients are surprised by how tolerable the treatment is.

Many patients maintain or improve their vision with anti-VEGF injections for diabetic macular edema and appropriate laser or surgery when needed. Results depend on your starting vision, the amount of swelling, how long the problem has been present, and how consistently you complete treatments and follow-ups.

After an initial series of monthly injections, intervals are extended based on how you respond. Some patients can go up to 16 weeks between treatments, while others may need more frequent injections every 4-6 weeks for best control. Your eye doctor will determine the best schedule for your specific condition.

While you cannot completely prevent diabetic eye disease, you can significantly reduce your risk by controlling your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Regular eye exams help catch problems early when treatment is most effective. Good diabetes management is your best protection.

Yes, eye care is safe and important during pregnancy because retinopathy can progress more quickly. We choose treatments carefully and coordinate timing with your pregnancy doctor when needed to ensure the best outcomes for you and your baby. Some treatments may be delayed until after delivery if they are not urgent.

Contact us immediately for sudden vision loss, a large shower of new floaters, flashes of light, a curtain over part of your vision, or rapidly worsening blurry central vision. These symptoms may indicate serious complications that need urgent treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover annual diabetic eye exams and medically necessary treatments. Prior authorization may be required for some therapies like anti-VEGF injections. Our staff can help verify your coverage and explain your benefits before your appointment.

Yes, people with diabetes are more likely to have dry eyes, which can cause discomfort, burning, and irritation. While dry eyes do not usually threaten vision like retinopathy does, they can affect your quality of life. We can recommend treatments to help keep your eyes comfortable.

Do not let cost keep you from getting the eye care you need. Many treatment options are available, and patient assistance programs may help with costs. Talk to our staff about payment options and financial assistance programs. Some pharmaceutical companies offer programs to help with injection costs.

Pregnancy can make diabetic retinopathy worse, especially if your blood sugar control is poor. This is why eye exams before or early in pregnancy are so important. We will watch you more closely during pregnancy and may need to treat more aggressively to protect your vision.

Children with type 1 diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy, but it is rare in the first few years after diagnosis. Children should have their first eye exam within five years of diagnosis, or by age 15, whichever comes first. Regular eye exams become more important as they get older.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in comprehensive eye care, including surgery. They can diagnose and treat all diabetic eye complications. An optometrist focuses mainly on vision correction and basic eye care. For diabetic eye disease, seeing an ophthalmologist ensures you get complete specialized care.