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Diabetes can harm your eyes. It can damage the small blood vessels in your retina, or the back of your eye. This is called diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetes also increases your risk of glaucoma and other eye problems.
You may not know your eyes are harmed until the problem is very bad. Your doctor can catch problems early if you get regular eye exams.
You Need Regular Eye ExamsEven if the Doctor Who takes care of your diabetes checks your eyes, you need an eye exam every 1-2 years by an eye doctor who takes care of people with diabetes.
If you have eye problems because of diabetes, you will probably see your eye doctor more often. Sometimes, your doctor may tell you to come less often.
You may see two different types of eye doctors:
- An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor trained to diagnose and treat eye problems.
- An optometrist is a health care provider trained to diagnose and treat eye problems. Many can do screening exams for damage from diabetes. Once you have eye disease caused by diabetes, you will see an ophthalmologist.
The doctor will check your vision using a chart of random letters of different sizes. This is called the Snellen chart.
You will then be given eye drops so that the doctor can better see the back of the eye. You may feel stinging when they are first placed. You may have a metallic taste in your mouth.
To see the back of your eye, the doctor looks through a magnifying glass using a bright light. The doctor can then see areas that may be damaged by diabetes:
- Blood vessels in the front or middle parts of the eye
- The back of the eye
- The optic nerve area
Another device called a slit lamp is used to see the clear surface of the eye (cornea).
After Your Eye ExamIf you had drops to dilate your eyes, your vision will be blurred for about 6 hours. It will be harder to focus on things that are near.
Sunlight can damage your eye. Wear dark glasses or shade your eyes until the drops wear off.
ReferencesAmerican Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes -- 2010. Diabetes Care. 2010 Jan;33 Suppl 1:S11-61.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 11/11/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
What else can I help you with?
Which term describes the eye disorder that may develop as a complication of diabetes?
Diabetic retinopathy is the eye disorder that may develop as a complication of diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems and potential blindness if left untreated. Regular eye exams are recommended for individuals with diabetes to monitor and manage this condition.
What is the importance of regular eye exams for maintaining good vision and overall eye health?
Regular eye exams are important for maintaining good vision and overall eye health because they can detect early signs of eye diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, which may not have noticeable symptoms. Early detection and treatment of these conditions can help prevent vision loss and preserve eye health. Additionally, eye exams can also detect other health issues, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, that may manifest in the eyes. Regular exams can ensure that any potential problems are addressed promptly, leading to better long-term eye health and vision.
looking for low cost eye exams?
yes i am looking for low cost eye exams yes
Where can I get good eye exams in NY?
Grand Central Optical is located in New York and provides eye exams.
How important is it to get regular eye exams?
Eye sight should not be taken for granted and regular exams should become more frequent as we age, with no only being concerned about good vision, eye exams can catch eye diseases early.
How much are eye exams?
Generally, eye exam costs can range from less than $50
How do you get eye deseases?
Eye diseases can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, aging, underlying health conditions (such as diabetes), environmental factors like UV exposure and smoking, and eye injuries or trauma. It is important to have regular eye exams to monitor eye health and catch any potential issues early.
Are eye exams accurate?
yes...
Does a doctor performs eye exams?
Doctors, including optometrists and opthamologists perform eye exams, but basic exams can be done by nurses or lay people who have been trained in this to do these type of tests.
I need contacts, who provides good Eye Exams?
Costco or Walmart have known to give the best eye exams out there. They too are an affordable place to shop.
Can you only get glaucoma if you are diabetic?
No, you do not have to be diabetic to develop glaucoma. Glaucoma can occur in anyone, regardless of diabetes status, although certain risk factors such as age, family history, and high eye pressure can increase the likelihood. While diabetes can increase the risk of certain types of glaucoma, such as neovascular glaucoma, it is not a prerequisite for the condition. Regular eye exams are important for early detection and management of glaucoma.
Are there any Eye doctors that give free exams in Las vegas?
At the present there are no free exams available. If you qualify for medicare you may have eye exam coverage.
