What to Expect During a Diabetic Eye Exam
It is not enough for a patient with diabetes to have an occasional eye exam. We recommend that diabetic patients have an examination at least once a year. It is critical for the patient to get into the habit of making
these annual visits. Before patients come to Bright Eyes Optometry for their first appointment, it is helpful to understand what will take place.
The appointment will begin with a simple vision check, in which they will read an eye chart. The next step is an in-depth exam with lights and lenses, which will check the front of the person’s eyes. Dr. Sumati Deutscher
will dilate the person’s eyes with eyedrops. Once the drops take effect, we will exam the patient’s retina.
During these examinations, we will check for signs or symptoms related to diabetes. If we find any, we will recommend treatment options and how the patient needs to proceed. Once complete, the patient will schedule
the next appointment and return home.
Call Us Today
If you have diabetes, you should call us today at 914-721-5072 and schedule an appointment to meet with our optometrist for a diabetic eye exam. Vision problems can adversely affect your daily life, so always remember
to stay up to date with these appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the diabetic eye exam find?
If the diabetic patient’s vision is healthy, the exam will show no dysfunction. However, the tests could show damage to the vessels in the retina. This damage would display the possibility of a condition known as retinopathy.
How long will the diabetic eye exam appointment take?
These visits should never take up too much of the patient’s day. Most appointments should be over within an hour. Patients should expect the drops to dilate the eyes in 15 or 20 minutes. The length of time will vary
per each patient.
What should the patient do before the diabetic eye exam?
Before the eye exam, the patient should make sure their blood sugar levels are as close to normal as possible. When blood sugar is high, it can affect the person’s ability to focus. This difficulty to focus can lead
to an inaccurate diagnosis.
What happens after the diabetic eye exam appointment?
Our team will review the test results to determine what treatments are necessary. The treatment options may include prescribing eyeglasses or medication. Our optometrist may recommend further eye testing.
How quickly will the diabetic eye exam results be available?
In most cases, the results will be available during the appointment or one day after. However, the amount of time will vary per patient. Our goal is to ensure the patient can begin the treatment plan as soon as possible.
What are the chances of having diseases of the retina?
The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the chance the patient has of developing retina issues. Eye exams are one of the most effective ways to prevent and control the condition. By beginning treatment, we can
help patients prevent the disease from hindering their life.