How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam if You Have Diabetes?

Living with diabetes means staying proactive about every aspect of your health - including your vision. Diabetes can increase your risk of serious eye conditions that may develop without noticeable symptoms. That’s why routine eye exams play a key role in early detection and prevention.
 

What Is a Diabetic Eye Exam?

A diabetic eye exam is more comprehensive than a standard vision check. It includes a detailed evaluation of the retina and other internal structures of the eye. During this exam, your eye doctor may:
 

• Dilate your pupils to examine the retina for signs of damage or fluid leakage.
• Use advanced imaging, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), to detect early changes in the retina.
• Measure intraocular pressure to assess glaucoma risk.
• Monitor any existing conditions for changes or progression.

This exam is essential even if your vision seems fine because many diabetic eye conditions develop with no noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
 

How Diabetes Affects Your Vision

When blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods, they can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. This damage can lead to a number of serious eye conditions that, if left untreated, may result in vision loss or blindness.
 

One of the most common diabetes-related eye conditions is diabetic retinopathy. This occurs when high blood sugar harms the blood vessels in the retina. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause symptoms, but as it progresses, it can lead to permanent vision loss if not properly managed.
 

Another complication is diabetic macular edema (DME), which often develops as a result of diabetic retinopathy. DME happens when fluid accumulates in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central, sharp vision. This swelling can cause blurred or distorted vision and requires prompt treatment.
 

People with diabetes are also more likely to develop cataracts, a condition that causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy. Cataracts can make it difficult to see clearly and tend to appear at a younger age in individuals with diabetes compared to those without.
 

In addition, glaucoma is more common among people with diabetes. This group is nearly twice as likely to develop the condition, which is marked by increased pressure in the eye that can damage the optic nerve. If not detected early, glaucoma can lead to vision loss as well.
 

How Often Should You Get a Diabetic Eye Exam?

According to the American Diabetes Association and leading eye care professionals, individuals with diabetes should receive a comprehensive eye exam at least once per year. In some cases, such as if you have existing eye conditions or if your diabetes is not well controlled, your optometrist may recommend more frequent visits.
 

For those newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, an eye exam should happen shortly after diagnosis. If you have type 1 diabetes, you should schedule your first eye exam within five years of diagnosis, and annually thereafter.
 

Protect Your Sight with Texas State Optical

We specialize in providing thorough diabetic eye exams designed to detect and monitor any signs of vision complications. If you or a loved one has diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
 

Schedule your diabetic eye exam with Texas State Optical and take a proactive step toward protecting your long-term vision health. Visit our office in Sugar Land, Texas, or call (281) 238-5668 to book an appointment today.