Diabetic Eye Exams
Diabetic Eye Exams
Diabetes is a disease that impairs the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin. This causes elevated glucose levels in the blood and an abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates. Diabetes can also cause damage to the eye. If you have questions about whether you are at risk of eye damage, contact us today at Total Vision Centers in Springboro for more information about eye care and diabetes.
Why Regular Exams are Important
Regular eye exams are important because those with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing eye issues that require special treatment. It is advised that those who suffer from diabetes see an optometrist every 1 to 2 years. It is important that those with diabetes see an optometrist specifically, on top of visiting a primary care doctor. This is because an optometrist has access to tools that can check the back of the eye much better than what is available at a normal doctor’s office. You may need to see two different types of eye doctors in order to properly watch for complications due to diabetes, an ophthalmologist and an optometrist. An ophthalmologist specializes in diagnosing and treating eye issues while an optometrist may conduct the initial screenings that assess eye damage due to diabetes. You will most likely visit an optometrist first and then be referred to an ophthalmologist.
What is a Dilated Retinal Exam?
First, your vision will be tested by having you read letters from a chart that has a random assortment of letters in different sizes. Then, your pupils will be dilated so the doctor is able to look at the back of your eye. The doctor will look at different areas of the eye that are often damaged by diabetes. These areas are: the back of the eye, the optic nerve, and the blood vessels in the front or middle parts of the eye. Pictures may be taken of your eye during this exam for more detailed analysis.
If you suffer from diabetes and are in need of a diabetic eye exam, contact Total Vision Centers today to schedule an appointment.