Diabetic Screening & Management

The best way to handle eye problems related to diabetes is through regular monitoring, early detection and prompt treatment. Early detection and treatment typically begins with the retinal exam. Drops are placed in your eyes to dilate (widen) your pupils to allow your doctor to better view the inside of your eyes. In addition to directly visualizing your retina, your doctor may take photographs of your retina or perform other tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate retinal thickness to determine if fluid has leaked into retinal tissue. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with type 1 diabetes have their first eye exam within the first five years after diagnosis. If you have type 2 diabetes, the recommendation is to have your first eye exam shortly after you receive a diagnosis. This is because type 2 diabetes often goes undetected and undiagnosed for years. After a baseline exam, you should have an eye exam at least once a year (or maybe more often depending on your specific situation). If you wear glasses or contacts, you probably need an annual eye exam to keep your prescription up to date. During that exam, your doctor will conduct a few tests to see if your vision has changed as a result of diabetes.