Diabetic Eye Exams | Orchard Park Optometry

Preserving Sight for Patients with Diabetes

People with diabetes are often aware of the many ways in which the condition can affect their overall health. But, it’s also important to remember that diabetes can impact your eyes and vision too.

If you have diabetes, we recommend a comprehensive eye exam at least once every year as part of your overall diabetes management.

Optometrists are well-equipped to care for people with diabetes. Sometimes, we are the first ones to diagnose the condition. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing serious, sight-threatening eye diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetes, please book your appointment today and let us help you preserve your sight.

Book Appointment

What Happens at a Diabetic Eye Exam?

Here at Orchard Park Optometry, our eye doctors perform a dilated retinal exam to check for signs of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. These two common conditions can result in loss of vision if not detected and treated early.

We also use state-of-the-art technology to provide us with a clear picture of your ocular health. Optomap imaging allows for an ultra-widefield image of your retina. Using these images, we can take a close look and a close-up look at the vascular system around the retina, which usually provides the first indication of diabetic retinopathy.

During your diabetic eye exam, we will dilate your pupils. Eye drops are applied that widen your pupils and allow us to view the back of your eye and the internal structures.

You may want to bring along a driver and a pair of sunglasses, as your eyes may be sensitive until the dilation wears off.

If you have diabetes, please also bring a list of all of your current medications and supplements. It’s important that we understand your health so that we can help you preserve it.

Book your diabetic eye exam today!

Diabetic Eye Diseases

Diabetes can raise your chances of developing certain eye problems, and if they’re left undetected, they can lead to vision loss. Fortunately, we can take preventive measures to mitigate these risks.

During your diabetic eye exam, we’ll look for signs of diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. Click each title to learn more.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels in your retina swell as blood sugar levels elevate. As a result, they may break or bleed, leaking into the macula and impacting vision.

Many people with diabetes will also be diagnosed with retinopathy at some point. Diabetic retinopathy may not present visible symptoms and you may not feel any pain or experience a change in your vision until the disease has progressed.

Regular eye exams are an excellent way to diagnose retinopathy before vision loss occurs.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic macular edema occurs when the macula swells due to the fluid accumulation from broken blood vessels in the retina. The macula is responsible for your central vision and is vital to reading, writing, and recognizing faces.

Be on the lookout for blurry vision and straight lines that appear wavy or distorted—these are signs you may have macular edema.