Scheduling a diabetic eye exam is important for all diabetics, regardless of their vision. In fact, we recommend that the examination take place at least every other year, though it may be necessary once a year. If a diabetic is experiencing changes to their vision, it is time to come in right away.
Even if the appointment is last minute, any significant or noticeable vision changes require an assessment. Diabetes can lead to permanent eye damage and the best way to prevent it is to continue monitoring the eyes and to be aware of any significant changes for treatment to occur.
Undiagnosed problems
It is also important for people to be aware that some eye conditions may not immediately impact eyesight. For example, cataracts and glaucoma are two eye problems that tend to happen with age and also impact diabetics on a regular basis. These eye problems are treatable so long as people seek eye treatment right away by an optometrist.
If these problems remain undiagnosed, which is incredibly common, they can advance to the point that treatment is no longer an option and result in vision loss. In some situations, glaucoma can also lead to blindness. The key is early detection and treatment and there is no way to make sure early detection can happen without scheduling an annual diabetic eye exam.
During the exam
During a diabetic eye exam, we will test a person's field of vision that includes how much the person can see far away, up close and peripherally. In addition to this, it is important to test for glaucoma by assessing the amount of pressure inside the eye. The eye must have a steady amount of pressure to ensure that the surface of the eye does not become rumpled.
If that pressure is too high, then it is going to press against the nerve. At this point, nerve cells can sustain damage due to a lack of blood supply. Thus, testing for eye pressure is incredibly important for people with diabetes.
Looking for cataracts
A cataract is actually a cloudy lens. Some people get cataracts due to old age while others tend to have cataracts due to diabetes. Since people with diabetes are at greater risk for cataracts than the general population, it is necessary to check for them on a regular basis.
If we diagnose cataracts, we can surgically treat them. Essentially, we remove the lens and replace it with an intraocular lens. This allows for patients to see clearly again.
Preventing eye problems
Diabetics should be aware that it is possible to prevent some of the eye problems typically associated with diabetes by maintaining a tight control over blood sugar levels. When a diabetic's blood sugar is uncontrolled or spikes regularly, it inhibits the body's ability to fight infection and further restricts blood flow. Through the use of regular medication and dietary controls, diabetics can sometimes reduce these fluctuations in blood sugar, control them and make it less likely that infection result.
Schedule regular appointments
If you are a diabetic and have not yet had a diabetic eye exam or have not had one in the last couple years, it is time to schedule an appointment. We will conduct a thorough examination and determine if there any eye problems that should be treated right away.