Diabetic Eye Exams
Comprehensive Diabetic Eye Exams at Haven Opticals
Managing diabetes requires regular monitoring of your overall health, including your eyes. At Haven Opticals, we provide comprehensive diabetic eye exams to detect and manage any diabetes-related eye conditions early on, ensuring your vision stays clear and healthy.
Our Approach to Diabetic Eye Care
Personalized Consultation:
- Our optometrist will review your medical history, including your diabetes management and any previous eye conditions or treatments.
Visual Acuity Assessment:
- We will assess your vision clarity at various distances using an eye chart.
Refraction Analysis:
- Determines if you need prescription glasses or an update to your existing prescription.
Comprehensive Dilated Eye Examination:
- Eye drops will be used to dilate your pupils, allowing the optometrist to thoroughly examine the retina, blood vessels, and optic nerve for signs of diabetic retinopathy and other complications.
Advanced Retinal Imaging:
- High-resolution images of your retina will be taken to detect any subtle changes or damage caused by diabetes.
Intraocular Pressure Measurement:
- Measures the pressure inside your eyes to check for glaucoma, a common complication of diabetes.
Detailed Fluorescein Angiography (if needed):
- A special dye is injected into your arm, and photos of your retina are taken to identify any leaking blood vessels or abnormal growth.
Macular Edema Detection:
- Examination of the macula (central part of the retina) to detect any swelling or fluid buildup.
Common Vision Issues in Diabetics
Diabetic Retinopathy:
- Damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by high blood sugar levels. Early stages may show no symptoms, making regular exams crucial.
Diabetic Macular Edema:
- Swelling in the macula due to fluid leakage from retinal blood vessels, leading to vision loss if untreated.
Cataracts:
- Clouding of the eye’s lens, which can occur earlier in people with diabetes.
Glaucoma:
- Increased pressure in the eye, leading to optic nerve damage and vision loss. Diabetics are at a higher risk.
Recommended Frequency for Diabetic Eye Exams
Type 1 Diabetes:
- A comprehensive eye exam should be conducted within five years of diagnosis and annually thereafter.
Type 2 Diabetes:
- An eye exam should be conducted at the time of diagnosis and annually thereafter.
Pregnant Women with Diabetes:
- An eye exam should be conducted before conception or early in the first trimester, followed by additional exams as recommended.