Eye exams are the key to lasting eye health. This is particularly true if you have diabetes because of the risk of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. Diabetic eye exams are recommended for early detection of these eye diseases. Read on to learn more about the importance of diabetic eye exams in preserving vision and the eye's long-term health.
Getting a routine diabetic eye exam is crucial in preventing eye health from deteriorating. While every two years should suffice, it is best to receive an eye exam annually. This gives the optometrist a better chance to protect a patient's vision and provide minor corrections when necessary. Below are three reasons why diabetic patients should make sure to keep their eye exam appointments.
Diabetes brings the risk of several eye diseases that can result in vision changes and, unfortunately, vision loss. The most well-known is diabetic retinopathy, in which diabetes damages small blood vessels in the retina. Diabetes can increase one's risk of developing other eye diseases, such as:
During a diabetic eye exam, the optometrist will conduct several tests to check the eye's health. This may include a pressure test and a dilated retinal exam, in which they dilate the pupil with eye drops to take a closer look at various internal structures of the eye. The optometrist can provide treatment recommendations if there are any signs of eye disease, which may help slow the progression of the disease and, ultimately, preserve vision.
Vision is liable to change regardless of whether an eye disease is present. An optometrist can correct a diabetic patient's vision through the use of prescription lenses or contacts. To find the right prescription, they will conduct a routine vision test using a Snellen chart. They can also conduct additional assessments to ensure an eye disease is not causing one's vision to change, providing the patient with peace of mind that there is no larger issue.
It is common for high blood sugar, the hallmark of diabetes, to bring about blurred vision. Rapid changes in one's blood sugar levels may also cause this. However, this is not diabetic retinopathy or another eye-related disease; this is simply a side effect of diabetes. An optometrist will be able to assess the eye's health and see whether it is an issue with the eye or if the eye is acting as a window to one's overall health. Again, a dilated retinal exam may provide the answers to these questions.
Protect the health of your eye with annual diabetic eye exams. Our optometrist will thoroughly assess every part of the eye to detect any issues. Call our office to schedule an appointment today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.carmieyecare.com or call Carmi Eye Care at (618) 374-0513 for an appointment in our Carmi office.
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