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Diabetic Eye Exam services offered in Walnut Creek, CA
If you are one of the more than 34 million Americans with diabetes, it’s important to undergo a diabetic eye exam at least once a year. At Diablo Eye Associates in Walnut Creek, California, the ophthalmologists and glaucoma specialists offer comprehensive diabetic eye exams to people 40 and older. To make an appointment call the office today, or schedule online.
Diabetic Eye Exam Q & A
What is a diabetic eye exam?
Diabetes occurs when your pancreas is unable to regulate blood sugar. When left untreated, it can affect various parts of your body, including your eyes.
If you have diabetes, you’re at risk of diabetic retinopathy and other potentially serious vision problems. A diabetic eye exam is a routine checkup that assesses your eyesight and tries to catch diabetes-related conditions early on when they’re most responsive to treatment.
What does a diabetic eye exam involve?
No two diabetic eye exams are exactly alike. The team at Network Eye tailors the appointment based on your age, medical history, and the symptoms you’re experiencing.
If you were recently diagnosed with diabetes, your provider dilates your eyes and examines your retina. If there’s no sign of visible damage, they might recommend a “watch and wait” approach.
If you’ve had diabetes for years, and you’re at risk of retinopathy or another diabetes-related vision problem, the exam might be more extensive and even include some type of in-office treatment.
What conditions does a diabetic eye exam check for?
At Diablo Eye Associates, the team uses diabetic eye exams to diagnose various issues caused by diabetes, including:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Diabetic macular edema
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
Diabetic macular edema (DME) causes your macula to swell. If you have diabetic retinopathy and experience blurry vision, DME is the likely cause.
What tests can I expect at a diabetic eye exam?
At Diablo Eye Associates, the team conducts several tests during a diabetic eye exam, including:
Visual acuity testing
Diabetes causes several changes to your eyes that may affect your vision. A visual acuity test determines if you can benefit from eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Pupil dilation
Pupil dilation uses special eye drops to widen your pupils. This allows your Diablo Eye Associates provider to view the back of your eye and determine if there are any problems.
Glaucoma testing
If you have diabetes, you’re also more likely to experience glaucoma, a condition that damages your optic nerve. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent glaucoma from getting worse.
If it’s been more than a year since your last diabetic eye exam, make an appointment by calling the office or booking online today.