Diabetic Exams
As your optometrist in New Albany, MS, Weeden Eye Clinic offers comprehensive eyecare services to new and current patients in and around the area. If you or a loved one has underlying health concerns such as diabetes, one of the most important eye exams you should get is a diabetic eye exam.
What is a Diabetic Eye Exam?
A diabetic eye exam is a specialized examination to identify early indications of potential eye problems caused by diabetes and its associated health issues. The main purpose of this exam is to search for evidence of diabetic retinopathy, the most prevalent and severe complication of diabetes affecting the eyes. Diabetic retinopathy develops when elevated glucose levels harm the retina’s blood vessels, the sensitive photographic film at the rear of the eye. This injury can result in the leakage of blood and other substances into the retina, causing it to swell and form deposits called exudates. Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy can advance to more critical stages, possibly leading to a retinal detachment or significant loss of vision.
Regular diabetic eye exams are vital for individuals with diabetes or those at risk.
When to Have a Diabetic Eye Exam
According to the American Diabetes Association, persons with Type 1 diabetes are recommended to undergo an annual diabetic eye exam no more than five years following their diagnosis. Those with Type 2 diabetes should schedule their initial diabetic eye exam immediately upon diagnosis.
These recommendations serve as basic guidelines. Two important factors need to be considered. First, the earlier your eye specialist identifies diabetic retinopathy, the quicker it can be treated, potentially preserving more of your vision. Second, if you notice any signs of worsening eye health due to diabetes, it’s very important to consult with your optometrist right away, regardless of the timing of your diagnosis or whether you have been diagnosed at all.
How is a Diabetic Eye Exam Conducted?
A thorough diabetic eye exam generally involves a test of visual clarity and the dilation of pupils to allow for an in-depth inspection of the retina and optic nerve, along with the possible application of imaging methods like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography. These techniques yield precise visualizations of the eye’s internal structures and can detect abnormalities not observable in standard eye examinations. Regardless of whether you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s advisable to undergo periodic diabetic eye examinations at least once a year. Interestingly, it’s not uncommon for individuals to discover they have diabetes only after an optometrist identifies the telltale signs during a diabetic eye exam. This is yet another reason to schedule your diabetic eye exam soon.
Remember, even if you haven’t yet been officially diagnosed with diabetes, you may benefit from a diabetic eye exam in New Albany, MS. The sooner that diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed, the better the possible outcome. Contact Weeden Eye Clinic today to book your appointment.
