Diabetes puts you at an increased risk of developing eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy. That's why it's important to receive regular diabetic eye care from an optometrist. At Brinegar Eye Care in Bloomington, IN, we provide regular eye exams to help you maintain healthy eyes.
What Is a Diabetic Eye Exam?
A diabetic eye exam is a comprehensive evaluation of the eyes specifically designed for patients with diabetes. The exam is performed by an eye doctor and is designed to detect and prevent vision loss due to diabetic eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma.
During a diabetic eye exam, the eye doctor performs a thorough evaluation of the eyes, including a dilated eye exam. This allows the eye doctor to get a clear view of the back of the eye and examine the health of the blood vessels in the retina. The eye doctor also assesses the pressure in the eyes and evaluates the patient's vision. The exam may also include tests to assess the health of the optic nerve and measure the visual field.
Diabetic eye exams are important for patients with diabetes because diabetes can cause changes in the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss if left untreated. Regular diabetic eye exams can help detect diabetic eye diseases early and prevent vision loss.
Signs of Diabetic Retinopathy
Blood sugar spikes can trigger an eye disease called diabetic retinopathy. This condition occurs when the blood vessels in the retina are damaged, causing swelling and leaking. It can lead to permanent vision loss, so it's important to have your eyes assessed if you show signs of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Small specks in your vision
- Seeing dark spots
- Double vision
- Difficulty perceiving colors
These symptoms only appear when the condition has progressed. The best way to diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy in the early stages is to schedule regular exams with your optometrist. Treatment can help you manage your symptoms and prevent further vision loss.
When to Schedule an Eye Exam
If you've recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you should schedule an eye exam so that your eye doctor can assess the health of your eyes. After this exam, you should continue to schedule periodic exams so that your eye health can be tracked and monitored. Your eye doctor may recommend annual exams.
Request an Appointment with Our Optometrist in Bloomington, IN
Eye care is important for everyone, but it's especially crucial for people with diabetes. You can get the diabetic eye care you need at Brinegar Eye Care. Whether you're due for an eye exam or have noticed concerning symptoms, contact us for an appointment right away. Call our team today at (812) 339-7995 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.