Diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of preventable blindness in working age adults. An annual dilated eye exam combined with advanced retinal imaging is your most important defense.
Diabetes can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the retina. We use a combination of dilated exams and advanced retinal imaging to detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and other diabetes related eye changes before vision is affected. Learn more about what a diabetic eye exam involves and what to expect at your visit.
Diabetic eye disease can develop and progress with no pain or noticeable vision changes. By the time symptoms appear, significant damage may already be done.
Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes
All patients with diabetes, regardless of type or how well controlled their blood sugar is, should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Retinopathy can occur even with good blood sugar management.
Prediabetes & high risk
Patients with prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, or a strong family history of diabetes benefit from regular eye monitoring, as microvascular changes can begin even before a formal diagnosis.
Patients with known retinopathy
If you've been previously diagnosed with any stage of diabetic retinopathy, more frequent monitoring is critical. We track changes with precision and escalate care when needed.
Your diabetic eye exam is designed to be comprehensive and efficient. We document findings carefully, communicate with your care team, and make sure you understand exactly what we found.
We use Optomap and OCT imaging to capture detailed views of your retina. Dilation may also be recommended to allow a thorough internal examination of the peripheral retina.
We assess and document the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy, from mild early stage changes to more advanced findings, and compare to prior visits to track progression.
We share exam findings with your primary care physician or endocrinologist, and refer to a retinal specialist when treatment such as laser therapy or VEGF inhibitor injections is indicated.
Have a question not answered here? Feel free to call or text our team.
The American Diabetes Association recommends an annual comprehensive dilated eye exam for all patients with diabetes. If retinopathy is detected, more frequent monitoring, every 3 to 6 months, may be recommended depending on severity and progression.
Yes. While good blood sugar control significantly reduces risk, it does not eliminate it. Diabetic retinopathy can develop and progress even in patients with well managed diabetes. Annual monitoring ensures any changes are caught early, when intervention is most effective.
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak, swell, or grow abnormally. Early stages often have no symptoms. Advanced retinopathy can lead to serious vision loss or blindness if not detected and treated. It is the most common diabetic eye complication.
Annual diabetic eye exams are typically covered under medical insurance (not just vision insurance) as a medically necessary service for patients with diabetes. This includes Medicare. We recommend checking with your plan ahead of your visit. Our team is happy to help clarify your coverage.
Yes. When caught early, diabetic eye disease can often be managed effectively. Treatment options include laser photocoagulation, VEGF inhibitor injections (for macular edema and proliferative retinopathy), and in advanced cases, vitrectomy. Early detection is the key to preserving vision and keeping treatment options straightforward.
Annual exams are your best defense against vision loss from diabetes.