Mobile Banner

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon can I drive after diabetic eye screening?

Blurry vision and increased sensitivity to light can last several hours. Until your vision returns to normal, it is generally recommended that you avoid driving.

How often should diabetics get their eyes checked?

Regular, annual eye exams are essential for detecting early signs of diabetic retinopathy or other diabetes-related vision issues. We may recommend more frequent checkups if you have existing eye conditions.

Is a diabetic eye exam considered preventive?

The diabetic eye screening helps identify early signs of diabetes-related eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, or glaucoma, even before symptoms arise.

What is the difference between a diabetic eye exam and a regular eye exam?

A diabetic eye exam focuses on detecting eye conditions related to diabetes; it often involves pupil dilation and specialized retina imaging. A regular eye exam assesses general vision health.

How does diabetic vision differ from normal vision?

Complications of diabetes may cause blurry vision, dark spots, or fluctuating vision quality. Over time, untreated diabetes-related damage can lead to significant vision loss.

What occurs during a diabetic eye exam?

During a diabetic eye exam, we will dilate your pupils with eye drops to get a clear view of your retina. We may use specialized imaging tools to capture detailed pictures of the back of your eye.

How should I prepare for a diabetic eye exam?

To prepare for a diabetic eye exam, bring your medical history, current medications, and details about your diabetes management. If your pupils are dilated, arrange for someone to drive you, and wear sunglasses for comfort afterward.

What should I expect directly after a diabetic eye exam?

Directly after a diabetic eye exam, the dilation drops may blur your vision and make your eyes sensitive to light. These effects can last a few hours, so avoid activities requiring sharp vision until your eyesight fully clears.

What does diabetic eye screening involve?

Diabetic eye screening involves an in-depth examination of the retina to check for damage caused by diabetes. This typically includes pupil dilation and retinal imaging to detect concerns.

What is the advantage of diabetic eye screening?

Timely identification and treatment of conditions like diabetic retinopathy can prevent or slow progression, preserving vision and improving overall eye health for diabetic patients.

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

Dr. Heather Dealy

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist & Glaucoma Specialist
Dr. Sean Considine

Dr. Sean Considine

Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Dr. Alissa Long

Dr. Alissa Long

Comprehensive Optometrist

Begin Your Journey Here

Patient Resource Image
Patient Resource Image Mob

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.

Request Exam
Watermark Image

This is an excellent facility. I have glaucoma and have been treated by Dr. Dealy for over four years. Mine is not an easy case and Dr. Dealy has been so knowledgeable and thorough in answering all questions. She has always spent the time necessary to put me at ease. The front office staff are kind, welcoming, and genuine.

Professional, but friendly. Staff, including the doctors, are knowledgeable, ensuring patient understands diagnosis and treatment options.

When it comes to my eyes, it’s one less thing I have to worry about because I know Eye Consultants is taking care of all my needs.

Next Icon
Prev Icon
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo

Next Level
Eye Care &
Cosmetics

Comprehensive Services

From routine eye checks to glaucoma treatment to cataract surgery, our team at Eye Consultants provides a full range of eye care services to ensure each and every patient who walks through our doors receives the top-quality care they deserve.

View All
Comprehensive Eye Services

Comprehensive
Eye Services

Keeping up with your regular eye checkups is important to maintaining healthy eyes and catching any concerns before they turn into issues. Our comprehensive services allow us to monitor your eye health and provide guidance for treatments and maintenance.

Visit Page
Botox® & Juvéderm®

Cosmetic
Procedures

Our team also offers cosmetic eye procedures, including blepharoplasty, dermal fillers, and Botox, so patients can simultaneously address their aesthetic concerns and their eye health.

Visit Page

Surgery

If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, the only way to have a cataract removed is through surgery. Our surgeons have performed thousands of successful cataract surgeries and will make sure you are fully prepared for your procedure.

Visit Page
Contact Lenses

Contact Lenses

Properly fitting contact lenses are vital to not only your vision but also your eye health. We’ll help you determine if contact lenses are right for you and ensure your lenses fit so comfortably that you’ll forget they’re there.

Visit Page
Dry Eye

Dry Eye

Say goodbye to dry eyes with the help of Eye Consultants! We’ll determine the cause of your dry eyes and build a customized treatment plan to help you finally find the relief you deserve.

Visit Page
Eyewear

Eyewear

Currently at Eye Consultants we offer a full range of refractive services, including determining your glasses prescription. Coming soon in 2025, we will proudly offer optical solutions for our patients who need glasses.

Visit Page