Diabetic eye exams

Regular diabetic eye exams are crucial in preserving vision and preventing complications related to diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. These conditions can progress and lead to vision loss if left undetected and untreated for too long.  By scheduling regular eye exams, patients can ensure any early signs of damage are identified and managed effectively.
 
Our experienced eye doctor uses advanced diagnostic tools and personalized care to monitor and protect your eye health. Safeguard your vision and maintain your quality of life through regular eye exams.

What Do Diabetic Eye Exams Look For

Diabetic eye exams look for diabetic eye disease, a term for several eye problems that can all result from diabetes. Diabetic eye disease includes diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma.  People who have diabetes or poor blood sugar control are at higher risk for diabetic eye disease.  Risk also increases the longer someone has diabetes.  

Diabetic retinopathy affects the retina, the part of the eye that senses light and transmits it to the brain, allowing us to see the world around us.  In diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels in the retina can weaken, leak, swell, or close off. Abnormal new blood vessels can form on the surface of the retina.  These changes damage the retina and can lead to serious vision problems.  Diabetic macular edema happens when fluid builds up on the retina and causes swelling, leading to blurry vision and vision loss if not detected and addressed.

Diabetes can also be associated with cataracts and glaucoma.  Excess blood sugar from diabetes can cause cataracts.  Cataract surgery may be needed to remove lenses that are clouded by the effects of diabetes.  Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to the eye’s optic nerve. This damage leads to irreversible loss of vision. Having diabetes doubles the chance of getting glaucoma.

Risk of diabetic eye disease increases with poorly controlled diabetes.  To prevent eye damage from diabetes, maintain good control of your blood sugar. Follow your primary care physician's diet and exercise plan.  Make sure to keep up with regular eye exams.

When Should I Have A Diabetic Eye Exam

Anyone with diabetes, whether newly diagnosed or for many years, should have regular eye exams to screen for diabetic eye disease.  Early signs of diabetic eye disease are often not noticeable or have minimal symptoms, but seeing an eye doctor earlier to detect disease can help prevent worsening disease and complications.  If you have not had an eye exam in some time, be sure to schedule one soon.

Call our Fairfax, VA office at 703-951-3930 to schedule a diabetic eye exam. 

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Call our Fairfax, VA office at 703-951-3930 to schedule your appointment.
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