Diabetic Eye Exam
Diabetes is a disease that affects the entire body, including the eyes. Diabetes can cause several problems in the eye including cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina. The damaged blood vessels can leak fluid or bleed resulting in blurred vision. These changes can lead to permanent vision loss and in severe cases, blindness.
An eye examination is an important part of monitoring diabetes. While diabetic retinopathy cannot be prevented, it can be controlled and treated. An annual dilated examination of the eyes is required for all patients with diabetes. Depending on the eye findings, more frequent examinations may be necessary to monitor for changes so early treatment can be initiated.