Diabetic Eye Exam
Exam focused on your retina and changes in the blood vessels in your eye to detect and monitor any eye complications related to diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and glaucoma.
Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. Your eyes will attempt to compensate for this by growing new blood vessels, but these often develop incorrectly and can damage the retina. Over time, this condition can lead to poor blood flow, inflammation, and even vision loss if not properly managed. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults.
During a diabetic eye exam, an eye doctor will perform a variety of tests to assess the health of the eyes, including checking for signs of diabetic retinopathy. This may involve dilating the pupils to examine the back of the eye, taking photographs of the retina:
OCT: A non-invasive imaging test. It uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of your retina to see its distinctive layers. It allows the doctor to map and measure thickness.
Fundus photos: Picture of the back of your eye which includes the retina, optics nerve and retinal blood vessels.
The frequency of diabetic eye exams may vary depending on the individual's age, duration of diabetes, and severity of the disease. It is generally recommended that people with diabetes receive a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, and more often if diabetic retinopathy is present or if there are other eye-related complications. Early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy can help prevent vision loss and blindness.