For individuals living with diabetes, routine eye checkups are more than just a precaution; they’re a key step in protecting vision and preventing serious complications. Diabetic eye exams are designed to detect early signs of conditions like diabetic retinopathy. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss and even require emergency eye care. Knowing what happens during a diabetic eye exam can help you feel prepared and make sure you’re taking the right steps to safeguard your eye health.
Why Diabetic Eye Exams Are Key
Diabetes can affect your eyes in ways you may not notice at first. High blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This problem is one of the reasons adults lose their sight.
Regular eye exams help doctors spot these changes early. When they find problems sooner, they have better ways to treat them and save your vision. Also, people with diabetes have a higher chance of getting glaucoma and cataracts than people without diabetes. Eye doctors suggest that people with diabetes get their eyes checked at least once a year. Some people might need to come in more often if they already have eye problems or if their blood sugar has been hard to control.
What Happens During the Exam
Your diabetic eye exam starts with a visual acuity test. This test assesses your ability to see at different distances using an eye chart with letters or symbols. The doctor will ask you to read the smallest line you see clearly with each eye.
Next, your doctor will put special drops in your eyes to make your pupils bigger. This process is called dilation and takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes to complete. The drops may sting a little when they first go in, but this sensation usually subsides quickly.
Once your pupils are dilated, the doctor uses a special light and a magnifying lens to examine the inside of your eyes. They check your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels for any signs of damage or disease. This part of the exam doesn’t hurt, but the bright light might feel uncomfortable. Your doctor might also conduct retinal imaging tests.
Identifying Early Signs of Eye Emergencies
During your exam, your doctor looks for warning signs that might need urgent eye care. Early diabetic retinopathy shows up as tiny bulges in blood vessels called microaneurysms. As the condition worsens, blood vessels may leak fluid or blood into the retina.
Advanced diabetic retinopathy creates new blood vessels that are weak and bleed easily. This bleeding blocks your vision and requires emergency eye care to prevent permanent damage. Your doctor also checks for swelling in the center of your retina.
Signs that you need emergency eye services include sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, flashing lights, or a curtain-like shadow across your vision. If you notice any of these symptoms between regular checkups, contact your eye doctor right away rather than waiting for your next appointment.
Schedule an Emergency Eye Care Appointment Today
Diabetic eye exams are a fundamental part of managing your diabetes and protecting your vision. These comprehensive checkups help identify eye problems early, when treatments are most effective. The exam includes vision testing, pupil dilation, and detailed examination of your retina and other eye structures. Contact a trusted eye specialist immediately to schedule an emergency eye care appointment today.