Diabetic Eye Exams

Checking for Changes Before You Notice Them

Diabetes can affect the eyes even when your vision seems completely normal.

A diabetic eye exam gives your doctor a closer look at the health of your eyes, especially the retina, so changes can be identified and monitored before they begin affecting your everyday vision.

Why Does Diabetes Affect the Eyes?

Diabetes can damage small blood vessels throughout the body, including the tiny vessels that supply the retina at the back of the eye.

Over time, those vessels may weaken, leak, become blocked, or develop other changes. Because early diabetic

retinopathy often causes no noticeable symptoms, regular eye exams are an important part of diabetes care.

I Can See Fine. Do I Still Need an Exam?

Yes, because vision is not always a good early warning sign.

Changes in the retina can begin before you notice blur, discomfort, or other symptoms. That is why diabetic eye exams are based on your health and risk factors—not simply on whether something feels wrong.

What Does a Diabetic Eye Exam Look At?

Your Retina and Macula

The retina and central area responsible for detailed vision are examined for bleeding, swelling, abnormal blood

vessels, or other changes associated with diabetes.

Your Vision

Diabetes can sometimes cause your prescription or vision to fluctuate, particularly when blood sugar levels are changing.

Your Eye Health as a Whole

Diabetes can also be associated with conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, and other changes affecting the eyes.

Your Health History

Your doctor may ask about factors such as how long you have had diabetes, your recent blood sugar or A1C levels, blood pressure, medications, and other health conditions because they can help provide context for what we see in your eyes.

Will My Eyes Be Dilated?

Dilation is commonly used during diabetic eye exams because it allows the doctor to examine the retina more

thoroughly.

Other retinal imaging may also be useful depending on your eyes and what your doctor finds, but imaging does not automatically replace a dilated examination.

Your doctor will determine what testing is appropriate for you.
 

How Often Should I Have a Diabetic Eye Exam?

For many patients with diabetes, a diabetic eye exam is recommended at least once a year.

The right schedule can vary based on your type of diabetes, how long you have had it, your overall health, whether retinal changes are present, and your doctor’s recommendations. Some patients may need to be seen more often, while certain lower-risk patients may be advised differently.

What Happens If You Find Something?

Finding a change does not automatically mean you need treatment.

Some findings may simply need to be monitored. If something requires additional care, your doctor can explain what was found and recommend the appropriate next step, which may include referral to an ophthalmologist or retina specialist.

The goal is to identify changes early enough to make informed decisions about your care.

Your Eye Exam Is Part of Your Diabetes Care

Managing diabetes involves more than watching a single number.

Your blood sugar, blood pressure, overall health, and eye health are all connected. A diabetic eye exam gives us another piece of that picture and helps us watch for changes over time.

Keep an Eye on More Than Your Prescription

You do not need to wait until your vision changes to have your eyes checked.

Our doctors can evaluate your eye health, explain what they see in clear language, and recommend the appropriate follow-up based on your individual needs.