Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes or are you at risk? Regular eye exams are essential for both those with diabetes and those at risk. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing eye diseases, but these conditions can often be avoided or delayed with annual eye exams and timely treatment.
If you’re looking for an eye doctor for diabetes near you, it’s important to understand what to expect and how early detection can help protect your vision. At Konocti View Optometry, we offer diabetic eye care in Lakeport, CA, and use advanced imaging technology to detect signs of diabetic eye disease—sometimes even before symptoms appear. Read on to learn more about diabetic eye exams, and if you’re ready for your exam, call or text us at 707-263-0101 to schedule your appointment today!
Why do people with diabetes need diabetic eye exams?
Diabetes increases the risk of several eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. These conditions can develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages and cause permanent damage before you realize there is an issue.
A comprehensive eye exam helps detect these conditions early, so you can start treatment right away when it is most effective. Early detection is the best way to protect your vision and avoid serious complications, so it’s important to stay on top of regular eye exams as part of your diabetes care.
How often should I see an eye doctor for diabetes?
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people with diabetes have a dilated eye exam at least once a year. However, if you have existing eye complications, your doctor may suggest more frequent visits.
What happens during a diabetic eye exam?
Depending on the diabetes eye doctor you visit, a diabetic eye exam can include:
- A RETeval® ERG test – At Konocti View Optometry, we use this quick and non-invasive test to measure the electrical activity in your retina, helping to identify early signs of diabetic retinopathy and other retinal issues, even before you notice symptoms. By tracking how your retina responds to changes in blood sugar levels, it helps catch problems early to protect your vision.
- Dilated eye exam – Eye drops are used to widen your pupils, allowing your doctor to closely examine the retina for any signs of damage.
- Retinal imaging or optical coherence tomography (OCT) – Advanced imaging helps detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy or macular edema.
- Tonometry test – Measures eye pressure to check for glaucoma, a condition that people with diabetes are at higher risk of developing.
- Visual acuity test – Since diabetes can affect your vision, this test checks how well you can see at different distances.
What are the symptoms of diabetic eye disease?
Many diabetic eye conditions do not have obvious symptoms in the beginning stages, which is why regular exams are so important. However, some symptoms to watch for include:
- Blurry vision
- Dark spots or floaters
- Fluctuating vision
- Eye pain or pressure
- Difficulty seeing at night
Can diabetic eye disease be treated?
Yes! Early detection is key. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options may include:
- Blood sugar & blood pressure management – Keeping your levels stable can slow the progression of eye disease.
- Laser therapy – Helps seal leaking blood vessels in the retina.
- Injections – Medications can reduce swelling and prevent further damage.
- Surgery – In advanced cases, surgery may be needed to repair the retina.
Protect your vision: schedule an exam today!
If you have diabetes, come see our diabetes eye doctor in Lakeport at Konocti View Optometry. A yearly exam with an experienced eye doctor can help you maintain clear vision and prevent complications. Call or text 707-263-0101 to schedule your visit!