Diabetic eye exams are specialized eye exams that are performed to detect and monitor eye problems that are associated with diabetes. Diabetes can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) which can lead to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This condition can cause vision loss or even blindness if left untreated. Diabetes can also cause cataracts to form.
The Canadian Ophthalmological Society recommends that people with diabetes undergo a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. During this exam, special eye drops are used to dilate the pupils, allowing your optometrist to examine the retina and optic nerve for signs of damage or disease. In addition to this, a retinal image and OCT (as known as optical coherence tomography) are strongly recommended for all patients, especially those with diabetes, as these provide a more thorough evaluation of the health of the retina and are the best tool for early detection of diabetic related retinal changes.
In addition to regular eye examinations, it is important for people with diabetes to maintain good control of their blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels to help reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
