Living with diabetes requires managing not only your blood sugar levels but also your overall health. One of the most significant health aspects that diabetics need to monitor is their vision.
A diabetic eye exam is a crucial step in ensuring healthy eyesight and protecting against potential complications caused by diabetes.
This blog will outline common eye conditions associated with diabetes and explain key tests and procedures during a diabetic eye exam.
Why is a Diabetic Eye Exam Important?
High blood sugar levels caused by diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes over time. This condition, known as diabetic retinopathy, is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness among adults. Other complications include glaucoma and cataracts, which can occur earlier or at a higher rate in people with diabetes.
A diabetic eye exam is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by an eye specialist. Its goal is to detect early signs of diabetes-related eye problems, ensuring timely treatment and reducing the risk of permanent vision damage.
Regular diabetic eye exams should not be overlooked, even if you do not have noticeable symptoms, as many conditions develop silently.
Common Eye Conditions in Diabetics
Diabetes can lead to several eye conditions, ranging from mild to severe. Here are the most common ones:
Diabetic Retinopathy
This condition occurs when high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. It progresses in stages:
- Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy: Early-stage damage without abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy: Advanced damage with the growth of fragile new blood vessels prone to leaking.
Diabetic Macular Edema
The macula is responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. Swelling in this area due to fluid leakage from damaged blood vessels can disrupt vision, leading to blurry or distorted sight.
Cataracts
Diabetics are more likely to develop cataracts at an earlier age. This condition clouds the eye’s natural lens, making vision blurry or dim.
Glaucoma
Diabetes increases the risk of developing glaucoma, a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve. Untreated glaucoma in diabetics can lead to permanent blindness.
Key Tests in a Diabetic Eye Exam
Eye specialists use specific tests and advanced technology during a diabetic eye exam to detect early signs of trouble. Here are some key procedures:
Visual Acuity Test
This eye exam test measures how well you can see at various distances. You will read letters or symbols from a chart to determine the sharpness of your vision. It helps your doctor identify changes in your eyesight.
Dilated Eye Exam
The eye doctor will use eye drops to dilate your pupils. This gives them a better view of the inside of your eyes, including the retina and optic nerve. Using a magnifying lens, the doctor will look for signs of diabetic retinopathy, swelling, or abnormal blood vessels.
Tonometry
Tonometry measures the pressure inside your eye, also known as intraocular pressure. High eye pressure can be a sign of glaucoma, another condition that people with diabetes are at higher risk of developing.
Fluorescein Angiography (If Needed)
Fluorescein angiography is a specialized procedure used to examine blood flow in the retina. A dye is injected into your arm, and photos are taken as the dye moves through the blood vessels in your eyes.
This test helps diagnose diabetic retinopathy or macular edema.
Fundus Photography (If Needed)
Fundus photography is a way for your doctor to document and monitor changes in your eye over time. A specialized camera captures images of the back of your eye, including the retina and optic nerve.
This can help diagnose and track the progression of diabetic eye disease.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to capture detailed cross-sectional images of the retina of the eye. This allows doctors to measure the thickness of the retinal layers and detect any swelling, fluid, or changes associated with diabetic macular edema or other retinal conditions.
OCT is instrumental in guiding treatment decisions and monitoring the effectiveness of therapies over time.
Visual Field Testing
Visual field testing evaluates the full horizontal and vertical range of what a patient can see while focusing on a central point. This test helps determine if there is any peripheral vision loss, which could indicate nerve damage or advanced diabetic retinopathy.
It involves responding to visual stimuli in different areas, allowing the doctor to map the patient’s overall field of vision and detect potential complications.
Gonioscopy (If Indicated)
Gonioscopy is a procedure used to examine the drainage angle of the eye, where fluid exits the anterior chamber. While it is not routine in all diabetic eye exams, it becomes critical if there is suspicion of neovascular glaucoma — a potential complication of advanced diabetic retinopathy.
Using a specialized contact lens and slit lamp, gonioscopy provides a detailed view of the drainage structures and can reveal any abnormal blood vessel growth.
Diabetic Eye Exam in Washington, MO
Protecting your vision starts with booking your diabetic eye exam. At Advanced Sight Center, we provide comprehensive, leading-edge eye care tailored to diabetics. Our expert team uses state-of-the-art technology to detect and treat diabetic eye conditions before they impact your quality of life.
Call us at (636) 239-1650 or schedule your appointment today with one of our compassionate specialists. We look forward to serving you!
Source:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582424/
