Living with diabetes means more than managing blood sugar—it’s about taking good care of every part of your body, especially your eyes. High blood sugar levels can silently harm your eyes and can even lead to complications that may threaten your vision. Regular diabetic eye exams are an easy and effective way to catch problems early and keep your vision sharp.
What’s a Diabetic Eye Exam, and Why Is It Different?
A diabetic eye exam is intended for patients with diabetes. While a general eye exam checks all parts of your eyes, a diabetic one is designed to look for changes in the blood vessels of your retina, which are especially vulnerable to damage from high blood sugar.
Here’s what you can expect during a diabetic eye exam:
- Dilation: This allows your eye doctor to get a clear view of the back of your eye to check for any damage.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Advanced imaging tests take detailed images of the retina, so that your doctor can see if there’s any swelling or hidden damage.
These tests allow your eye doctor to catch early signs of diabetic eye disease before symptoms appear. Center For Sight provides comprehensive diabetic eye exams to ensure you get the care you need to protect your vision.
Why Diabetic Eye Exams Matter
If you have diabetes, you’re at a higher risk for serious eye issues like:
- Diabetic retinopathy – the leading cause of blindness in adults.
- Diabetic macular edema – swelling that can blur vision.
- Glaucoma and cataracts – common in people with diabetes and can lead to vision loss.
The good news? Catching these issues early can help prevent severe vision damage. Regular exams allow your ophthalmologist to monitor your eyes for changes that might need attention. Our experienced team at Center For Sight is dedicated to helping you stay ahead of these risks and enjoy clearer sight for longer.
How Often Should Diabetics Have Eye Exams?
Most people with diabetes benefit from at least one eye exam each year. However, your doctor might suggest more frequent checkups if you already have eye issues or other risk factors. If you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes, an initial exam can establish a baseline, so you and your doctor know what’s normal for your eyes.
Are Diabetic Eye Exams Covered by Insurance?
The answer is often “yes,” but that depends on your insurance plan. For example, Medicare Part B covers annual eye exams for people with diabetes. Some private plans include diabetic eye exams, but it’s always best to check with your insurance provider about specific coverage details. Our team is happy to help you through any questions regarding insurance so that your eye health is accessible and affordable.
Everyday Tips to Protect Your Vision
Eye exams are important, but there’s a lot you can do between appointments to take care of your eyes!
- Manage blood sugar levels: Stable blood sugar helps prevent damage to the blood vessels in your retina.
- Watch your blood pressure and cholesterol: These also play a big role in keeping your eyes healthy.
- Stay alert to vision changes: If you notice blurriness, floaters, or other unusual symptoms, contact an eye doctor right away.
By taking small steps daily, you can keep your eyes healthier and reduce the risk of complications.
Trust Your Vision to Center For Sight
Managing diabetes may not be easy, but protecting your vision can be. At Center For Sight in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Pahrump, NV, our team of skilled eye care professionals understands the unique needs of our diabetic patients. We provide personalized, compassionate, and advanced eye care to allow you to be your best and continue to see your best, year after year.
One of the best ways to keep your vision clear and live a dynamic, active life is by taking advantage of preventative and regular eye exams. With Center For Sight, you can look forward to clear vision, expert care, and the peace of mind that your eyes are in good hands. Make an appointment today for your diabetic eye exam to protect your vision for the future.
