What to Expect During Your Diabetic Eye Exam

Living with diabetes requires proactive care, and that includes protecting your vision. People with diabetes are at an increased risk for several eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. A comprehensive diabetic eye exam is a vital step in preserving your eye health and detecting potential problems early. Here’s what you can expect during your visit to Refined Eyecare Optometry.

 

A Warm Welcome and Medical History Review

Your appointment will begin with a friendly greeting and a review of your medical history. Our team will ask questions about your diabetes management, current medications, vision changes, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. This background helps us tailor the exam to your specific needs.

 

Visual Acuity and Refraction Testing

Next, we’ll assess how well you can see using a visual acuity test. This involves reading letters on an eye chart at a distance. We may also perform a refraction test to determine if you need a new or updated prescription for glasses or contact lenses.

 

Intraocular Pressure Measurement

High eye pressure can be a sign of glaucoma, a condition that people with diabetes are more susceptible to. To screen for this, we will measure the pressure inside your eyes using a quick and painless procedure.

 

Dilation of the Pupils

One of the most important parts of a diabetic eye exam is pupil dilation. Using special eye drops, we gently dilate your pupils to allow a clearer view of the back of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve. This part of the exam helps us detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and other retinal changes that may not cause symptoms right away.

 

Retinal Imaging and Evaluation

We may take detailed images of your retina using advanced imaging technology. These photos allow us to monitor any subtle changes over time and create a long-term care plan for your eye health. This is particularly important for tracking diabetic-related eye conditions.

 

Personalized Discussion and Next Steps

Once your exam is complete, our optometrist will discuss the findings with you. If any signs of diabetic eye disease are present, we will explain your treatment options. We will also recommend how often you should return for follow-up exams based on your individual risk factors.

 

Protect Your Vision at Refined Eyecare Optometry

Regular diabetic eye exams are essential for catching early signs of vision problems before they progress. At Refined Eyecare Optometry, we take the time to thoroughly examine your eyes, monitor for any complications related to diabetes, and provide the guidance you need to maintain long-term eye health.

 

Schedule your diabetic eye exam with Refined Eyecare Optometry and stay ahead of diabetic-related eye conditions. Visit our office in Torrance, California, or call (310) 214-0409 to book an appointment today.