Diabetic Eye Exam in Washington, DC
Diabetes affects many areas of your body, including your eyes. If you
have diabetes, regular diabetic eye examinations can help protect and
preserve your vision.
How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes
When you have diabetes, excess sugar remains in your blood. This can
cause the tiny blood vessels in your eyes to become damaged and leak
blood and fluid into the retina, a condition known as diabetic
retinopathy. About 30 percent of people with diabetes will develop
diabetic retinopathy.
Who Should Have a Diabetic Eye Exam
You should have a diabetic eye exam if you:
-
Have type 1 diabetes–you should schedule a diabetic eye exam
within 5 years of your diagnosis
-
Have type 2 diabetes–you should schedule an eye exam immediately
following your diagnosis
-
Are pregnant and have gestational diabetes–you should schedule
an eye exam within the first 3 months of pregnancy, and then again
one year after the baby is born
How Often You Need a Diabetic Eye Exam
A diabetic eye exam is recommended at least once each year. Yearly
diabetic eye exams can help identify vision changes when they are
more easily treatable.
What is a Diabetic Eye Exam
A diabetic eye exam is similar to a regular eye exam but specifically
focuses on the retina and blood vessels in your eyes. During your
diabetic eye exam, your eye doctor will:
-
Dilate your pupils, to view the inner structures of your eyes
-
Use fluorescein angiography, to detect damaged blood vessels using
dye
-
Use Optical coherence tomography (OCT), to identify thinning or
thickening blood vessels that may be leaking fluid
-
Perform a glaucoma test, to identify glaucoma in its early stages
-
Perform a vision test, to measure your distance and close-up vision
To discover more about the importance of a diabetic eye exam and what
to expect, call Dr. Jeevan Mathura, JR. at Diabetic Eye & Macular
Disease Specialists in Washington, DC. You can reach him in the
office by calling (202) 506-3479, so call today.