Protecting your vision from diabetic eye disease

James Gettys, MD

Family Medicine

For people living with diabetes, the stakes are higher when it comes to eye health. Diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of preventable vision loss, often develops silently, without noticeable symptoms at first. With early detection, vision loss can often be prevented.

Family medicine physician James Gettys, MD, explained who’s at risk for diabetic retinopathy and how a simple diabetic eye exam can protect your vision.

Am I at risk for diabetic eye disease?

While anyone can experience vision problems, adults living with diabetes are at higher risk. This includes individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, regardless of whether they have symptoms.

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes – or even prediabetes – it’s important to talk to your health care provider about your eye health. Early screenings can detect changes long before it can cause vision problems.

What is a diabetic eye exam and how is it different from a regular eye exam

A regular eye exam checks your general eye health and your vision.

“A diabetic eye exam is different from a conventional eye exam in that its purpose is to check the lining of the eye – the retina – for injury due to elevated blood sugars,” explained Dr. Gettys.

Regular eye exams are recommended annually, whereas diabetic eye exams are recommended every one to two years.

What does a diabetic eye exam involve?

Screening for diabetic eye disease is simple and quick. Using a diabetic retinal scanner, the process takes place in a dim room for optimal image quality. Patients are asked to cover one eye while the scanner takes an image of the other.

“You may see a red dot and a bright flash of light, but there will be nothing touching the eye,” said Dr. Gettys.

The images captured show the back of the eye, including the optic nerve, blood vessels, and macula. If any signs of disease are detected, patients are referred to an ophthalmology specialist for further evaluation and care.

Is diabetic retinopathy reversible?

Diabetic retinopathy can cause irreversible damage if left untreated. So, it’s important to not let anything prevent you from getting a screening.

“In my practice, I’ve found that several barriers prevent patients from having successful diabetic eye screening,” he said. “This could include transportation, cost and insurance barriers.”

To avoid these barriers, Dr. Gettys often asks patients with diabetes if they would like to have their diabetic eye exam during their annual well visit. There’s no extra cost and it can be done right there in the exam room.

Take action today against diabetic eye disease

If you have diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Early detection through a diabetic eye exam can protect your vision for years to come. Ask your primary care doctor or eye care provider if you need a diabetic eye exam during your next visit.