Diabetes & eye health
Diabetic Eye Exam in Doral, FL: What It Includes and How Often You Need One
By Dr. Belkis Perez, OD · Published
People with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year, even if their vision seems fine. Diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of diabetes-related vision loss, often has no symptoms early on; a timely exam lets changes be found and managed before they affect your sight.
Why diabetes affects your eyes
Over time, high blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels of the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye. Those vessels can leak fluid or bleed, and in advanced stages abnormal vessels can grow. According to the National Eye Institute, diabetes also raises the risk of macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma.
How often you need an eye exam with diabetes
The general guideline is a dilated exam every year. Your optometrist may recommend more frequent visits if signs of retinopathy are found, and people with diabetes who become pregnant usually need closer follow-up. Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control helps lower the risk.
What a diabetic eye exam includes
Besides checking your vision and prescription, the exam includes dilating your pupils with drops to view the retina and optic nerve, and measuring eye pressure. When appropriate, retinal imaging may be used to document and compare changes between visits. Dilation can leave your vision blurry and light-sensitive for a few hours, so bring sunglasses and, if possible, someone to drive you.
Symptoms that shouldn't wait
Ask for an evaluation soon if you notice blurry or fluctuating vision, new spots or floaters, dark areas in your vision, or trouble seeing at night. For sudden vision loss, seek emergency care right away.
Diabetic eye exams in Doral and the Miami area
At Dr. Belkis Perez, OD's clinic in Doral, diabetic eye exams are part of ongoing eye health monitoring. Findings can be shared with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist to help coordinate your care. You can book your visit online.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- National Eye Institute — Diabetic Retinopathy
- AAO — What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
- CDC — Diabetes and Vision Loss
- AOA — Diabetic Retinopathy
This article is general information and does not replace a professional eye exam or diagnosis.