Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage these blood vessels, leading to vision problems or even blindness if left untreated.
During a diabetic eye exam, the eye care professional will typically perform the following:
- Visual Acuity Test: This tests how well you can see at various distances.
- Dilated Eye Exam: The pupils are dilated using eye drops to allow the eye care professional to examine the retina and optic nerve for signs of damage. This includes looking for changes in blood vessels, swelling, or leakage.
- Tonometry: This measures the pressure inside the eye, which is important for detecting conditions like glaucoma, which diabetics are at higher risk for.
- Additional Tests: Depending on the findings and the stage of diabetic retinopathy, additional tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) may be performed to get detailed images of the retina.
The frequency of diabetic eye exams may vary depending on the individual's diabetes control and any existing eye problems. It's crucial for individuals with diabetes to undergo regular eye exams as recommended by their healthcare provider to detect diabetic retinopathy early when treatment is most effective in preventing vision loss.