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What is a Diabetic Eye Exam?
Diabetes prevents the body from using and storing sugar properly. As a result, excess amounts of sugar stay in the bloodstream and, when left untreated, can cause damage to blood vessels all over the body, including the eyes. When it causes damage to the blood vessels in the eye, it’s known as diabetic retinopathy.
A diabetic eye exam ensures we catch these issues before they become a more significant problem. The exam is specifically for individuals with diabetes to ensure their sugar levels are managed enough that the blood vessels aren’t being affected.
Do I Need a Diabetic Eye Exam?
Typically, we recommend a diabetic eye exam for anyone with diabetes, but there are some criteria about when you may need one. After your initial diabetic eye exam, our team will recommend annual exams for continued monitoring of your ocular health.
Diabetic Eye Exam Candidates:
- If you have type 1 diabetes, you’ll want to have an exam within five years of your diagnosis.
- If you have type 2 diabetes, you’ll want to have an exam as soon as possible so we can detect any damage early.
- Pregnant women with diabetes should have a diabetic eye exam within three months of pregnancy and another a year after birth.
- Anyone with poorly controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or who uses tobacco.
What to Expect During a Diabetic Eye Exam
During the exam, your eye doctor will use advanced technology to thoroughly assess your eye health and determine if further treatment is necessary.
To start, we’ll dilate your eyes so we can better see the eye’s inner structures, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. Next, we may perform a fluorescein angiography. A special dye will be injected into your arm and travel to the eye. It allows us to better see if there are any damaged blood vessels.
We’ll also perform an optical coherence tomography (OCT), which is an imaging test that allows us to see different layers of your retina in detail and look for any thinning or damaged blood vessels.
After Your Diabetic Eye Exam
If you have drops to dilate your eyes, your vision will be blurred for about 6 hours. You’ll need someone to drive you home, and you’ll want to wear dark sunglasses to help with any light sensitivity.
As for your results, we’ll discuss them with you, and if further treatment is necessary, we’ll create a customized treatment plan to ensure we get your eyes back to optimal health.
Schedule A Consultation
Have you just been diagnosed with diabetes and are in need of an eye exam? Or perhaps you are due for your annual diabetic eye exam? Our team at Eye Consultants can help ensure you receive the care and treatment you need. Take the first step and schedule a consultation today. Call our office at 302-581-8087 or contact us online.
At Eye Consultants, we are proud to serve Wilmington, DE, and the surrounding areas, including Dover, Townsend, Smyrna, Middletown, and Newark.
Experienced Experts
Dr. Dealy and our team of ophthalmologists and optometrists have decades of experience providing the best in vision and eye care to patients all over Delaware. You could not be in better hands!
Dr. Heather Dealy
Board-Certified Ophthalmologist & Glaucoma Specialist
Dr. Sean Considine
Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Dr. Alissa Long
Comprehensive Optometrist
Contact Us Today
Your health is our top priority and we look forward to assisting you in your eyecare journey. Please call the office at (302) 998-2333 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment.
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