The Importance of a Diabetic Eye Exam

Diabetic Eye Exam New Rochelle, NY

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.

Why get an annual diabetic eye exam?

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.

  1. Prevent and treat common diabetic eye diseases

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:

  • Cataracts: Cloudiness in the lens (the clear part of the eye), causing blurred vision, faded colors, night blindness, and other vision problems
  • Glaucoma: A condition in which the pressure within the eye becomes unbalanced, leading to irreversible vision problems and potential blindness
  • Retinal detachment: When the retina (the back of the eye) detaches from the eyeball, causing flashes and floaters in the vision and sometimes blindness

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.

  1. Correct vision changes

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.

  1. Keep an eye on overall health

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.

Consult an optometrist

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://brighteyesny.com or call Bright Eyes Optometry at (914) 730-9574 for an appointment in our New Rochelle office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Diabetic Eye Exam in New Rochelle, NY.

Recent Posts

Prescription Medications For Dry Eye Treatment

The type of dry eye treatment an optometrist recommends depends on several factors, including the cause and severity of the dry eye. Though this common condition affects millions, not all will need prescription medication to treat it, and others may resolve their dry eye with lifestyle changes and treating underlying conditions. However, when these measures…

3 Reasons To Visit An Eye Doctor

Taking care of the eyes can protect one's vision and general health. It is important to regularly see an eye doctor to ensure the overall health of the eye and body, regardless of whether you need glasses. This blog will discuss when and how often to see an eye doctor, formally known as an optometrist.Annual…

Getting Prescription Eye Glasses From An Optometrist

If you have started to strain more when you read or notice other problems with your vision, consider getting prescription eyeglasses from an optometrist. Though it can be tempting to choose over-the-counter glasses from a store, they do not offer the same benefits as what you can get from an eye care professional. The following…

What Is The Process Of Getting Prescription Glasses?

Getting the right prescription glasses helps maintain the integrity of your eyes. Unfortunately, many do not see it this way and will settle for straining or choosing glasses that do more harm than good. This guide will help you through the simple process of choosing prescription glasses to improve not only your sight but the…

Recent Posts

Prescription Medications For Dry Eye Treatment

Prescription Medications For Dry Eye Treatment

The type of dry eye treatment an optometrist recommends depends on several factors, including the cause and severity of the dry eye. Though this common condition affects millions, not all will need prescription medication to treat it, and others may resolve their dry eye with lifestyle changes and treating underlying conditions. However, when these measures…

Reasons To Visit An Eye Doctor

3 Reasons To Visit An Eye Doctor

Taking care of the eyes can protect one's vision and general health. It is important to regularly see an eye doctor to ensure the overall health of the eye and body, regardless of whether you need glasses. This blog will discuss when and how often to see an eye doctor, formally known as an optometrist.Annual…

Bright Eyes Optometry will be closed On December 25, 26 and January 1 for the upcoming Holiday. Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!